The Intender Program
Intender’s Handbook
Prepared by The Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F. & A.M.
The Intender Program
INTENDER’S HANDBOOK
Certain insertions and revisions © Copyright 2007 - 2017, Illinois Committee on Masonic Education Primary works (Copyright 2003) Intender’s Handbook, On the Threshold, Entered Apprentice’s Guidebook, Fellowcraft’s Guidebook, and Master Mason’s Guidebook
© Copyright 2011 Revised September 2017 The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois
Developed by the Illinois Committee on Masonic Education All rights reserved.
The Intender Program
INTENDER’S HANDBOOK
FOREWORD This Handbook has been prepared primarily as a working tool for a lodge program for disseminating Masonic information to Intenders who will be working with the candidates. Lodge officers and members will become better informed Masons if they also will read this book. This program was originally designed by the Committee on Masonic Education with the approval of our Grand Master. Each lodge is required to put the program into effect and to make it a necessary and continuing part of lodge activity. The candidate who petitions our Fraternity is entitled to an explanation of the history, purpose, operation, symbolism, philosophy, obligations, and ideals of Freemasonry. He should not be the “forgotten member” of the Fraternity, but the most important member. It is hoped that the proper use of this program will cause the new member to better understand the ritual and the moral lessons of the three degrees. Thus he should become an informed Mason, a better Mason, and a devoted active member. We also expect that the friendships that develop from the degree work and mentoring sessions will help establish a more lasting bond with our new brethren. To accomplish these ends we ask the cooperation of each lodge officer.
WHAT IS AN INTENDER? The term “Intender” comes to us direct from the old operative lodges of Scotland. More than 119 years before the first Grand Lodge was formed, the Intender was an important official in the lodges in Scotland, entrusted with the instruction of new candidates. At that time the word “intend” meant: to stretch out, extend, expand, increase, and intensify. Therefore, the Intender was a faithful companion and teacher whose duty it was to stretch out, extend, expand, increase, and intensify the knowledge and understanding of the younger craftsman in the Science of Masonry. The Schaw Statutes, an elaborate code of organization first drawn up in 1598 by William Schaw, Master of Work and General Warden of the Masons of Scotland, are found in the minutes of the Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary’s Chapel) No. l. These Statutes provided that an Intender be chosen for each new Fellowcraft, while the Lodge of Aitchison’s Haven provided Intenders for both new Entered Apprentices and new Fellowcrafts. In time the office of Intender became so important that the youngest Master was chosen for this exacting service. In recent decades the emphasis has been changing from merely producing “bright” Masons, i.e., those proficient in the ritual, to that of producing intelligent Masons - Masons who not only love their ritual and know how to present it effectively, but who also have an ample knowledge of the background, the aims, and the purposes of the Fraternity. It is here that the Intender becomes an important factor in developing an intelligent membership, and a capable leadership, to sustain and advance Freemasonry throughout the coming ages.
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The Intender Program
PURPOSE OF THE INTENDER PROGRAM The Intender Program has but one major objective: To teach the fundamentals of Freemasonry to every candidate, so he may become a Master Mason in fact as well as in name. It’s as simple as that! Please note particularly the word fundamentals, for this program does not go beyond those elements which are basic to our Craft, i.e., the principles and practices with which every Craftsman should be familiar if he is to bear with honor the proud title of Master Mason. It is not the purpose of the Intender Program to produce Masonic “scholars” or to give the candidate advanced Masonic education. It seeks to have him understand the Masonic way of life, that he may properly conduct himself as a Mason before his Brethren and before the world at large. This program supports the traditional maxim that the Fraternity has the inherent right to insist that each of its votaries shall be well grounded in his Masonic duties and responsibilities, and it also embraces the equally important idea that he should understand clearly the Fraternity’s obligation to him. If, during this process, there is ignited within the candidate that “spark” which urges him to seek for more and more Masonic Light, and thus to become an earnest and diligent student of Freemasonry, then the program will have an added value for him and for the Fraternity, for among such Masons will be found the future leaders of our Craft. In this fast-moving age, with its many demands on every man’s time and the numerous opportunities afforded him for spare-time diversions, we find Freemasonry in the position of competing for his attention. Failure to realize this can only result in dues-paying members who never come to lodge, receive no positive benefit from their membership, and whose help to the Craft is limited. It is necessary to capture the interest of the candidate from the start, and there is no better time to do so than when he is receiving the degrees, and immediately thereafter. This is when he is most receptive. This Program for Masonic Light will do much to arouse the candidate’s interest and increase his desire to take an active part in the work of the lodge. The use of this program will make the candidate a better Mason and a permanent asset to Freemasonry and to the community.
OVERVIEW OF THE INTENDER PROGRAM Following the receipt of a petition, the Worshipful Master appoints an Investigating Committee who meets the candidate and his spouse. If not already provided, they should leave a copy of On the Threshold for the candidate to read and share with his spouse. After passing a favorable ballot in lodge, the Worshipful Master sets a degree date and appoints an Intender who then contacts the candidate, introduces himself and his duties, and may invite the candidate and his spouse to the temple for the orientation session. Here, the Intender will have an opportunity to become better acquainted with the candidate and his spouse. At this time, the Intender should explain that there is a traditional catechism as well as a limited catechism, describing the process and benefits of both approaches. The candidate should have a say in his choice between the traditional or limited catechism. If a candidate chooses to learn the full catechism, but then finds he would prefer the limited catechism instead, he is permitted to shift to the limited catechism. After he becomes a Master Mason, the new brother should be encouraged to learn the traditional full catechisms and pass the Third Degree proficiency examination. All candidates must be assigned an Intender, receive a copy of each Guidebook at the appropriate time, and be encouraged to participate in the full Intender Program (IP). The District Deputy Grand Masters have been trained to assist in this educational experience.
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The Intender Program
MENTORING SESSIONS Mentoring sessions should be conducted in an atmosphere of warmth and informality, with candidates being encouraged to ask questions or offer comments at any time. Each meeting addresses one or more of the following topics: Masonic History Masonic Organization Masonic Philosophy and the Meaning of the Degree “Secret” Work The mentoring sessions are divided into two parts: first, a discussion to review the material in the educational guidebook, ensuring that the candidate understands the content and is able to answer, in his own words, the questions at the end of the booklet. These questions are not to be considered a test, but rather a way of determining the candidate’s comprehension of the important points. The second portion of the mentoring session is the instruction in the catechism. Note that the full (traditional) and limited (short) catechisms are presented in each appropriate section of this Handbook. The candidate must not be given a copy of the Intender’s Handbook, since it contains the catechism for the subsequent degree(s). Catechism instruction should be done verbally and, of course, the spouse must not be present. It is the responsibility of the Intender to report to the Worshipful Master, on a regular basis, about a candidate’s progress. When the new Mason has demonstrated a working knowledge of the catechism and the contents of the educational Guidebook, the proficiency (catechism) examination and next degree should be scheduled by the Worshipful Master. The same procedure is followed for all three degrees. Serious efforts by the Intender to conduct a high-quality learning experience for the candidate should create an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and committed new Mason for the lodge and the community.
REMEMBER You might encourage the officers and members of your lodge to sit in on the mentoring sessions. Keep the sessions informal and relaxed, to make the new Mason feel at ease and to facilitate discussion. Refreshments are suggested. An informal program or activity might be planned for the ladies during the non-public portion of each mentoring session. Encourage the candidate and his spouse to develop a plan for completing the list of readings provided by the Intender. As with most aspects of life, the more effort that one invests in a process, the greater will be the resulting rewards.
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The Intender Program
ADMINISTRATION OF THE INTENDER PROGRAM 1. To initiate the program, the Master should select a capable and motivated Mason to serve as Lodge Education Officer (LEO). The LEO and the Master should then select several brethren who would make good Intenders and desire to function as such in the Intender Program (IP). 2. Selecting Intenders, who will be responsible for instructing the candidate(s) in both his (their) catechism as well as in his (their) Masonic education, is a critical aspect of the IP. Brethren selected should evidence a willingness and ability to learn their role and to diligently carry out their duties. With a number of Intenders selected, they should be appointed to candidates with whom they have some commonality, such as age, profession, memberships, etc. In building a pool of Intenders, do not neglect to consider members who have been less active in recent years, or newer Masons. They may well respond to just such a challenge. 3. Once selected, the Intender should carefully read and become familiar with his Handbook and each Candidate Guidebook, and take part in an Intender Training session in order to gain confidence in performing his role. It is expected that the Intender will build an effective interpersonal relationship with his candidates. 4. It would be helpful for the candidates to receive an “Orientation to Freemasonry” session conducted by their Intender at the temple. Whenever possible, it should include the spouse. Here, the expectations and requirements of being a Mason are to be explained. During this session, the On the Threshold Guidebook would be discussed, any questions answered and, if available, the Masonic video “Unseen Journey” or the shorter version, “The Freemasons” might be shown. The Master and a few officers and members who wish to participate should also bring their spouses. This would start the pattern of friendships between both the men and the spouses. The session might close with a tour of the building and lodge hall. 5. Following each degree, the candidate will receive the appropriate Guidebook and be asked to read it at home, and encouraged to discuss the contents with his spouse. The Intender will also instruct him in this material and the selected catechism. Progression through the studies and degrees should not be hurried. Note: an Intender can be assigned to more than one candidate. 6. It is suggested that shortly after each degree, the candidate be informally conducted around the lodge room, stopping at each station and place as in the degree, and an explanation given to him about its significance. All symbols should again be shown and briefly explained. Such “walk-arounds” have met with much success. 7. It is strongly suggested that mentoring sessions be held at the temple. This will begin to build in the new candidate the habit of coming to lodge, plus it is likely other brethren may want to sit in on the discussions and benefit from them. 8. After the candidate has carefully read the Guidebook for the degree just taken, the Intender asks the candidate (and the spouse, if agreeable) to return to the temple for a mentoring session. Should the Master so choose, lodge spouses might be present to help the newcomers feel welcome and at ease. The spouses would retire to another room at the start of instruction in the secret work. Once the candidate has learned the catechism and is judged knowledgeable in the educational materials by his Intender, his next degree would be scheduled and conducted following his proficiency examination before the Worshipful Master (preferably in open lodge). This pattern repeats for each degree. 9. At the conclusion of his Third Degree, it is expected that the candidate will study the Master Mason’s Guidebook and continue working with his Intender. At the end of the educational sequence, the Intender should make a good faith effort to determine if the candidate has made suitable progress in this educational program. If not, additional sessions are recommended. In either case, the obligation of the Intender to his new Master Mason and their friendship should continue into the months and years ahead. 10. Each Worshipful Master is responsible for assisting his lodge in securing an adequate supply of Intender Program materials and for monitoring lodge performance in conducting the IP. The Grand Secretary’s Office is responsible for maintaining a sufficient supply of IP materials and in distributing these to lodges upon request.
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The Intender Program
EDUCATIONAL SEQUENCE 1. Petition received, Investigating Committee appointed. (Use of “On the Threshold” and optional videotape) 2. After favorable ballot, the Worshipful Master sets the date for the First Degree and appoints an Intender. 3. Intender contacts candidate with date and gets acquainted with him and spouse. 4. Orientation Session with candidate and spouse at temple. (Optional) 5. The Entered Apprentice Degree is conferred. 6. Mentoring Sessions. (Use of E. A. Guidebook) 7. Open Lodge E. A. Examination 8. The Fellowcraft Degree is conferred. 9. Mentoring Sessions. (Use of F. C. Guidebook). 10. Open Lodge F. C. Examination 11. The Master Mason Degree is conferred. 12. Mentoring Sessions. (Use of M. M. Guidebook) 13. Open Lodge M. M. Examination 14. Presentation of M. M. Proficiency Certificate
HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK Again, it is emphasized that the Intender Program is based entirely upon the four Candidate Guidebooks. Therefore, the candidate must have an opportunity to study each booklet before its contents are discussed with his Intender. The Intender’s Handbook presents the text from each of the candidate guidebooks along with a text box, on the right side of the page. The text boxes have additional information that the Intender can share with his candidate about the related topic. As stated earlier, the candidate “should not” have access to the Intender’s Handbook, because it contains information about the subsequent degree(s) and all of the degree catechisms.
For effective instruction, the candidate should be urged to study each booklet without delay, and the subsequent sessions with his Intender should follow as soon as possible. This Handbook contains information, questions, and answers which are most likely to be important to the candidate. Obviously, there will be some questions, probably many that our committee has not anticipated. When such a question arises, the Intender will answer it, if he can. If he cannot provide a proper answer, he should inform his candidate that proper research on the question will be made, with a suitable answer provided at the earliest opportunity. This Handbook is divided into four sections bearing the same headings as the Candidate Guidebooks, i.e., On the Threshold, The Entered Apprentice, The Fellowcraft, and The Master Mason. Each sub-section within the four main sections is preceded by a descriptive heading in bold type, and each guidebook follows a similar presentation of topics as related to the individual degree. (e.g., History, Organization, Symbolism, Ceremony, Meaning, Rights and Responsibilities). Thus, any particular subject may be located quickly. An index of topics is also provided at the back of the handbook. Each section concludes with a short list of review questions that are keyed to the sub-section where the correct answer appears in the text of the section. Your Intender’s Handbook provides the appropriate answers to each question, as well. Both the Illinois Short Form Catechism and the Illinois Long Form Catechism are provided for each Degree examination. You are encouraged to discuss the difference between the two forms of catechism and to encourage, but not demand, the completion of the Long Form Catechism to your candidate. You and your candidate are encouraged to seek additional information about Freemasonry and our Fraternity. A Recommended Reading List is available on the Illinois Grand Lodge website at: www.ilmason.org. That website also has a list of other recommended online sources and website links that offer quality Masonic information.
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The Intender Program
A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO THE INTENDER! Finally, this Committee extends its heartiest congratulations to you upon your preferment. The duties of an Intender are some of the most important in the lodge. From among all of your brethren you have been chosen to carry forward a task upon which depends much of the future welfare of Freemasonry in Illinois. This is a rare opportunity that comes to few Masons, rich in its vision of service to our Craft and equally rewarding to him who serves. The rewards are without limit. May every success attend your labors! Illinois Committee on Masonic Education
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On The Threshold
ON THE THRESHOLD
YOUR OBJECTIVES Upon completion of the On the Threshold material, you will be able to:
Describe the definition, purpose and values of Freemasonry. Briefly describe the origin of Freemasonry and the Masonic Grand Lodge. Describe Masonry’s role as a “Secret Society” and as a “Religion.” Describe Masonry’s position on Religion, Atheism, Totalitarianism, Politics, Charity, and Civic Duty. Identify the qualifications necessary to become a Freemason and how to prepare to become a Freemason. Describe the Masonic uses of symbolism and the general nature of Masonic ceremonies. Identify several commonly known Masonic appendant bodies. Describe how to contact and communicate with your Masonic lodge.
FREEMASONRY DEFINED OT-S1 In old England, Freemasonry was defined as “a system of morality, veiled in allegory Intender Notes: (as in a story, fable or parable) and illustrated by symbols.” Freemasonry is a course of moral instruction, illustrated An allegory “represents by suggestive resemblance”; a symbol is “a visible sign or by types, emblems, and representation of an idea.” Masonry is a course of moral instruction which uses both allegorical figures. allegories and symbols to teach its lessons. Today, Freemasonry has been defined by Brother Charles C. Hunt of Iowa as “an organized society of men symbolically applying the principles of operative Masonry and architecture to the science and art of character building.” This means applying Masonic principles will help you build a positive character.
PURPOSE AND VALUES OF FREEMASONRY OT-S2
The basic purpose of Freemasonry is to make “better men out of good men.” There is Intender Notes: an emphasis placed on the individual man by strengthening his character, improving By improving and his moral and spiritual outlook, and broadening his mental horizons. strengthening the character of each individual, Freemasonry Masonry tries to educate its members about: seeks to improve the the principles of personal responsibility and righteousness, community. understanding of and feeling for Freemasonry’s character and It emphasizes the principles of applying these lessons in practice in daily life. personal righteousness and personal responsibility, This is how we try to build a better world. We endeavor to build better men that will promotes human welfare and work in and improve their own communities. Freemasonry promotes universal peace inspires charity, or good will, through the Brotherhood of Man and the Fatherhood of God. toward all mankind. It Freemasonry also seeks to enlighten the mind, promote peace and understanding and motivates its members to translate these principles and whatever may enhance and adorn man’s contacts with man, and stimulate the noble convictions into action. and generous impulses of the human heart to practice the basic tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
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On The Threshold
The Values a Mason Should Live By: belief in a Supreme Being remain open-minded to learn and stay on Masonry’s path to moral goodness relate to other Masons on an equal basis, i.e., on the level avoid belittling others to enhance your own stature avoid contention and arguments strive for honesty, fidelity, integrity, tolerance, fair dealing, and charity respect for labor – craftsmanship, dedication, skill, and intelligence
These values are basic to the lasting harmony of our lodges and our Masonic fraternity.
ORIGINS OF FREEMASONRY OT-S3
Masonic scholars are not sure of the origins our Craft. Every Mason knows it goes far Intender Notes: beyond written record, and we believe it was not always called Freemasonry. No one knows how old Freemasonry is. Freemasonry Some of the ancient mysteries of Egypt, Greece and the Orient influenced the was not created at a given ceremonies Masons use today. These ceremonies were designed to test men, to allow moment, or in a single day, only those who were worthy to be admitted. Our ceremonies are somewhat the same, month, or year. It is a growth less physical in nature, and more philosophical in form. whose roots extend in many directions, often beyond Untold volumes have been written concerning the question of Masonic origin, and historical record. much has found its way into print that is pure fantasy and with no basis in fact. The earnest Masonic student is therefore cautioned against placing credence in anything The first known recorded that purports to establish a definite place, date, or even a specific era, concerning the mention of Masonry is in an beginning of Freemasonry. ancient document, now known as the Halliwell Manuscript The Fraternity, as an Operative Craft, is very old. Beyond that fact we cannot go with or Regius Poem, written in assurance. It has an honorable record of noble and distinctive service to mankind for verse by an unknown scribe centuries. A record longer by far than any other fraternal order now in existence. This about 1390. We also know is beyond dispute, and may be a source of pride to every Craftsman. that many Masonic symbols came from groups or The transition from “Operative” to “Speculative” Masonry organizations of medieval Operative masonry can be traced back to the Middle Ages and beyond. Operative times. masons back then formed groups with structures similar to ours today. They had officers and stations just like ours. Other men were admitted only after they had served a number of years of apprenticeship. This is the source of the first degree, the Entered Apprentice. The difference between “Operative” and “Speculative” Masonry Operative refers to the time in our history when masons actually did the physical labor of building. They were the best at their craft, and they kept secret their methods of building. Speculative refers to the period of time when men were accepted into the Craft without being physical builders, but rather were seekers of wisdom and truth. Speculative Masons were (are) spiritual or character builders. Modern, or Speculative Freemasonry seems to have begun among the lodges of Scotland, but evolved, as we know it today, into and from the English Grand Lodge which was organized in London, England in 1717.
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On The Threshold
ORIGIN OF THE GRAND LODGE OT-S4 Modern speculative Freemasonry, as we know it today, owes its structure to the Grand Intender Notes: Lodge. The first Grand Lodge under our present system of speculative Masonry was Masons are “Free and organized in London in 1717 and is known as the United Grand Lodge of England. Accepted” for reasons to be found in the early history of With the exception of a few lodges, every regular Masonic lodge today was granted a Freemasonry, which the charter or warrant to work from a Grand Lodge. Every Grand Lodge has a certain candidate is urged to study jurisdiction or area over which to preside. In the United States, the boundary of each state with diligence. Our Masonic is that area governed by a separate Grand Lodge. ancestors were skilled artisans whose work was essential to Grand Lodges Title’s Vary in the U. S. the welfare of Church and Titles of Grand Lodges in the United States vary. Some, such as Illinois’ Grand Lodge, State, and to the progress of are called A. F. & A. M., which means Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. The other their day. Although the lives most commonly used title is F. & A. M., or Free and Accepted Masons. and labors of most workmen were encircled by restrictions The reason for this difference is that, in England, not long after the Grand Lodge first of many kinds, these expert started, there was a rivalry between two factions of Masons. One faction adopted the title craftsmen were exempt from “Ancient” and the other “Modern.” This carried over to the United States where both the heavy hand of autocratic titles are still in existence based on whether the Ancient or Modern Grand Lodge power - “free” to pursue their chartered the American lodge. labors and live their lives in a manner consistent with their Two other titles exist in America. Masons in South Carolina call themselves A. F. M. or skills. They were “free” from Ancient Free Masons. Those in the District of Columbia call themselves F. A. A. M. - many things which made Free And Accepted Masons. But no matter what the title, all lodges work toward the burdensome the lives of same end. common workmen. In a social sense, too, they were Free and Accepted “free” men - not bound to the How did the words “free” and “accepted” originate? The ancient craftsmen were very land or indentured by a skilled, and their craft was considered to be indispensable to the welfare of both church contract to an individual, and and state. For this reason, they were not placed under the same restrictions of other “free” to move to where work workers. They were “free” to do their work, travel, and live their lives in a manner which and opportunity permitted; and befitted their importance. it has long been an established custom that only men who are In Medieval England, this freedom of movement was almost unheard of. Most workers “free born and of lawful age” were under bond to the owners of the land on which they worked. We believe this can become members of our th freedom for the operative mason may date back as far as the early 10 Century in York, Fraternity. England. The word “accepted” also goes back to the time of the operative mason. During the latter years of the Middle Ages, there were few educated men outside the monasteries of the church. Naturally, men wanted to become Freemasons to get the advantages the Craft had to offer. These men did not necessarily want to build buildings but they wanted to belong to the organization. These were “accepted” Masons rather than operative masons. This practice probably originated when some of the people for whom craftsmen were working asked to be admitted and the practice grew with time. This was a big boost to Masonry, because the secret techniques of building trades were becoming more widely known, the requirements of architecture were changing, and our operative membership was declining. As time went on, there became more and more accepted members than there were operative members. Sometime in the late seventeenth century, we believe the accepted Masons may have outnumbered the operative masons, and we eventually became a speculative organization rather than an operative one.
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OUR MASONIC SECRETS OT-S5 Freemasonry is not a secret society; rather, it is a society with secrets. A secret Intender Notes: society, among other things, meets in a secret place unknown to the general public; Masonic Lodges usually its membership is secret and nothing is publicly known concerning its aims, occupy a prominent location in principles, and organization. the community and their The concept of a secret society does not fit our organization at all. The secrets we do Temples customarily are identified by a display of one or maintain have been retained through a sense of tradition and are very few in more well known Masonic number, dealing mostly with the obligations and modes of recognition. These emblems. requirements have been handed down by word of mouth for centuries. Anyone may see who enters or Our purposes, ideals and principles may be learned by anyone who inquires. There leaves a Masonic Temple; and are numerous books on these subjects which are available to the public. We place most members of the Craft public notices in the newspapers about our meetings, our members are often wear Masonic insignia prominent citizens in the community, and our meeting places or temples are clearly somewhere on their persons so marked as such. all may see that they hold membership in the Fraternity. The only secrets of Freemasonry are its methods of recognition which protect it against intruders and imposters and its system of symbolic instruction. However, Masonic principles, ideals, philosophy, and purposes may this does not mean that the internal affairs of a lodge may be discussed be known to any one who promiscuously by its members outside of the temple, particularly in the presence of desires to make inquiry, or to non-Masons. In those matters which affect the business of his Lodge, and that read about them in the means all business, silence and circumspection are strictly enjoined on all Masons. multitude of books available to The internal affairs of a lodge are private and should be treated in the same manner any man, woman, or child - and each member would treat the private, affairs of his own family. they are often discussed in public notices. The organization of the various Masonic bodies also is a matter of common knowledge. Its leaders, and usually the great majority of its membership, are known and respected by all who endorse men of high purpose.
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RELIGION, ATHEISM, TOTALITARIANISM, AND MASONRY OT-S6
Intender Notes: Freemasonry and Religion Freemasonry is not a religion Every man who wants to be a Mason must state his belief and trust in a Supreme Freemasonry is definitely not a Being. We do not require that you belong to a specific religion, although many religion, although it is deeply Masons are very active in their churches, mosques, temples, synagogues, or places religious in many of its ways. of worship. Members have the right to belong to any place of worship they want, While affiliation with a and Freemasonry does not infringe on that right. However, members should not particular religion is not a attempt to substitute the teachings of Freemasonry or membership in a lodge for prerequisite for membership, a their religion. Masonry seeks only to unite men for the purpose of brotherhood, and large majority of Masons do not religion. belong to a church, mosque temple or synagogue of their Since Freemasonry is not a religion, no Mason can conscientiously substitute his choice. However, an belief in and loyalty to the Fraternity for the religion of his choice. If he attends no acknowledged belief in a organized religious worship services, that is strictly his own affair; but, if he thinks supreme being is a prerequisite or says that “Masonry is his religion,” he misconstrues the character of religion and to membership. of Masonry. The Fraternity never has been a part of any organized religion. Freemasonry and Atheism It has no religious dogma or A candidate for Masonry must honestly profess a faith in a higher being such as plans for salvation, and seeks God when applying, as a prerequisite for admission. An atheist denies the existence only to unify men of every sect, of a Supreme Being, so an avowed atheist would not profess this belief, and thus creed, and opinion within its cannot be a Mason. ranks with a spirit of tolerance. The atheist and Freemasonry Freemasonry and Communism (See Code 281 of our Book of Since Communism also denies the very existence of a higher being, a practicing Constitution and By-laws.) Communist could not become a Mason. However, we know there are Masons in Communist countries who meet secretly. Masonry in totalitarian countries Freemasons say, above all else, Communism, Fascism, and all subversive “isms” thrive on darkness and ignorance. “Let there be Light”. These forms of government are based on hatred of all persons outside their group, Freemasons believe in freedom and practice intolerance by suppressing all types of freedom. In totalitarian states, and democracy and love and persuasion is imposed by force, not by intellect. The dictator, as such, must have understanding between all men. control of every phase of the lives of his people; otherwise he cannot be a dictator. Therefore they can do nothing but oppose a dictatorship. Freemasonry and Catholicism Dictators will tolerate no The relationship between Freemasonry and Roman Catholicism is sometimes opposition, as history has amply misunderstood, not only by the general public but also by too many members of our proved and thus Freemasonry and Communism, Fascism, etc., Fraternity. have not, and cannot co-exist. There is absolutely nothing in any of the Masonic doctrines, rules or regulations to Freemasonry & the Roman prohibit a member of the Roman Catholic Church from becoming a Freemason Catholic Church merely because he is a Roman Catholic. If such was the case, our claim of Naturally papal edicts have universality and that we have no theological dogma and make no distinction deterred many members of the between men because of their religious beliefs, would be hypocrisy. Roman Catholic Church from applying for admission to the Contrary to the position of our Fraternity, and for reasons best known to them, a Masonic Fraternity in some succession of Roman Catholic Popes have looked upon our Fraternity with disfavor, countries. and issued from time to time several Encyclicals, or official edicts, denouncing Freemasonry. Nevertheless, many Roman Catholics have been and continue to For the most part, Masonry has given no official recognition to become Masons. the Papal disfavor, but has adhered to its own admonition of “silence and circumspection” through the years.
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On The Threshold
PROPER SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION OT-S7 Generally, religion and politics should not be discussed in lodge, and there are very Intender Notes: good reasons not to discuss these topics. When we meet in a lodge, we are all on a It is well to constantly bear in common level and are not subject to the classes and distinctions of the outside mind that Masons, when meeting world. Each brother is entitled to his own beliefs and may follow his own as such, are always on a convictions. common level. There is no distinction of worldly position, Freemasonry seeks to unite men and not to separate them. Therefore, any subject is class, race, or creed. Every barred from discussion in a Masonic lodge which might create friction or contention Mason is entitled to his own between men who are otherwise favorably disposed toward each other. This applies thoughts and beliefs, according with particular force to discussion concerning any specific religion, and also to partisan to the dictates of his own politics. conscience, as long as he believes in one Supreme Being Subjects like politics and religion create honest differences of opinion which might well and conforms to the laws and cause friction between brethren. usages of the Fraternity. In a Masonic lodge, king, prince, Harmony in the Lodge potentate, or a president meets There will be subjects concerning the lodge’s business that should and must be with other men on a common discussed. These discussions should be kept within the bounds of propriety, and footing and without social everyone should show a tolerance for the opinion of other members. distinction. Every Master wants harmony in his lodge, and once a matter has been put to vote in This does not mean that there the lodge and a decision made, the decision should be accepted by all members, can be no differences of opinion, regardless of how they voted. or arguments or debate, about legitimate lodge business or other matters which affect the Lodge’s welfare. Such discussion is wholesome and progressive, as long as it is confined to good taste and a genuine tolerance for the opinion of others. In all legitimate debates, however, it is a maxim that peace and harmony must prevail. Therefore, when the lodge has “spoken”, either by a secret ballot or a show of hands, from that instant the decision of the lodge must be accepted by all, even those who may have voted “nay”, except in the case where a legal appeal is permitted.
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On The Threshold
MASONIC CHARITIES AND CIVIC DUTY OT-S8 Freemasonry is not a fraternity or association of men banded together for social, Intender Notes: political, or economic advantage. Our foundation is built on a philosophy of The very form of a Lodge, as friendship and brotherly love, but we also make many worthwhile contributions to you will learn, is limited only our society. by the vastness of the universe. Masonic Charity should be As Masons, we in Illinois regularly contribute toward many charities throughout our equally extensive, and this state. We collectively extend Masonic benevolence on a scale which no individual refers to Charity in its broadest or lodge could do. Evidence of what can be accomplished is seen when thousands of sense. Therefore, one of the individuals each contribute modest sums and thus sustain the Illinois Masonic basic tenets of a Mason’s Charities Fund, the Illinois Masonic Outreach Services Program, The Illinois profession is Relief or Charity. Masonic Children's Assistance Program (IMCAP), and the Illinois Masonic Student Several additional examples of Assistance Program. Masonic Charity in Illinois include our efforts through the Masons are encouraged to be active in their community Masonic Student Assistance We try to teach every Mason to be a good citizen and to perform his civic duties. Program, Coins for Children, We do not try to keep anyone from expressing his opinion or from serving his city, the Illinois Child Identification county, state or nation in an honorable manner. However, anyone who serves in Program, and the Illinois political office should not act politically as a Freemason, or in the name of Masonic Outreach Services. In Freemasonry by showing affiliation with any lodge in his campaign advertising. addition, your local lodge may support many local, state, and Freemasons and Politics national charities and As a fraternity, we are careful to avoid discussions regarding political matters. To scholarships as directed by the lodge members. do so in the name of our Fraternity, or as a member thereof, not only would be contrary to our rules and regulations, but also would nullify one of Freemasonry’s Masons practice an even more basic objectives, which is to unite men of every country, sect, and opinion. frequent form of charity and that is toward their brothers. However, as a citizen of his county, state, and nation, every Mason is urged to This is seen by meeting on the perform his civic duties through all possible channels of expression. He is not same level, regardless of barred from participation in politics as a citizen. Many prominent politicians and wealth or station; by not taking statesmen of the past and present have been and are members and staunch offense to something said or supporters of our Ancient Craft. Some of the better known are: George Washington, done, and by not enhancing our Paul Revere, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin, Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, own image at his expense. To Harry Truman, John Glenn, and Gerald Ford. such charity there is reciprocity rich in brotherly love and sincere appreciation.
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QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE CANDIDATE OT-S9
Intender Notes: Every Petitioner in Illinois Must Have the Following Qualifications The term “Dotage” means He must make a declaration of his belief in a Supreme Being. feebleness or childish state due He must be capable of reading and writing English. to old age; senility.” a state or period of senile decay marked He must be a male, at least 18 years of age, and must not be in his “dotage”. by decline of mental poise and He must have resided in Illinois for at least six months. alertness.” He must not belong to any organization whose views are not compatible with Freemasonry.
Our Fraternal Expectations You will take our degrees and principles seriously.
You will strive to learn Masonry’s moral code and apply it daily. While these expectations are to You will pay your degree fees and dues in a timely basis. be noted by the candidate, they You will accept responsibility and be true to your word. are of critical importance in the life of a Master Mason. You will commit yourself to being active in your lodge and support its endeavors.
PREPARING THE CANDIDATE OT-S10
Preparing for Initiation Intender Notes: Every act a Mason performs, as To receive the greatest benefit from the initiation ceremonies, you should first a Mason or in the name of prepare your mind and heart for its reception. You should not be apprehensive, and Masonry and throughout his should enter the lodge with an attitude which will enable you to appreciate and learn entire Masonic life, is the result from the serious and solemn ceremonies through which you will pass. We of his own “free will and encourage you to pay strict attention to every part of the ceremony. In this way, you accord.” Never is he told that will gain as much understanding as possible from the teachings of Freemasonry. he shall or shall not do anything, except as it may be The methods used in teaching are by allegory and symbolism and may well be new implied in the Ritual or in the and unusual to you. These methods have been used for almost three centuries and rules and regulations of the have not changed very much since they were originally created. Finally, you should Fraternity, which apply to all understand that every Mason in the lodge room is your friend and soon to be your for the common good. brother. It follows, therefore, that even Before you enter the lodge room, dismiss from your mind all worldly matters that a man’s first approach to our might detract from the seriousness and solemnity of that which you will hear, sense, portals must be upon the same and see. Be keenly alert to all that is said and done. This is the best manner in which basis; a voluntary act, to receive and assimilate the time-honored teachings of Freemasonry. unbiased by solicitation from any member. Thus he is Our Fraternity flourishes, prospers, and spreads its teachings through the mode of prompted in his desire to be a life exemplified by its members. Thus every Mason, by the example of his personal Mason only by a favorable life and by acts performed of his own “free will and accord,” becomes a silent but opinion of the Institution, and active Masonic ambassador to the world at large. Thus, we attract other desirable is unbiased by friends and not men to apply for membership. influenced by mercenary or unworthy motives. He is a That this method is successful and bears “good fruit” is evidenced by the “free” man, performing a Fraternity’s continued existence through the centuries. “free” act; and when finally he becomes a Mason he will find that this freedom of thought and action is one of his most cherished privileges.
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SYMBOLISM, THE BLUE LODGE, AND MASONRY OT-S11 Symbolism is the use and interpretation of symbols or emblems. Literally, a symbol Intender Notes: is a concise representation of something else. Symbolism is important to Regarding the term “Blue Freemasonry because in each of the degrees symbols are used to teach basic moral Lodge”, one prominent author truths. A symbol is usually more effective in helping one to remember a principle, stated as follows: than the words used to describe it. “The three degrees of Symbolic Masonry are Origins of the term “Blue Lodge” clothed in or ornamented We are not sure where and why the name Blue Lodge originated, but there have with blue, whence they are been many attempted explanations for this description. commonly known as Blue Lodge Masonry. Blue is the There are three reasons that could explain why the term “Blue Lodge” originated: color of truth or fidelity; and It could be because blue is generally regarded to be the color of truth and it is a remarkable fact that fidelity, and these are the basic teachings of our Craft. the Brethren have ever Blue also is the color used to characterize friendship, as in a true blue friend. remained true to the blue degrees. Under the reign of Finally, because of the symbolic associations with truth, fidelity, and friendship, William III of England blue blue has been used to trim and decorate Masonic aprons, collars and clothing was adopted as the favorite down through the ages. color of the Craft”. Although the organization which confers the degrees of Entered Apprentice, “This durable and beautiful Fellowcraft, and Master Mason is commonly called the “Blue Lodge,” it is also color was adopted as the often referred to as the “Symbolic Lodge.” peculiar characteristic of an Institution which has stood the test of ages, and which is as much distinguished by the durability of its materials or principles, as by the beauty of its superstructure. It is an emblem of universal friendship and benevolence; and instructs us that, in the mind of a Mason, those virtues should be as expansive as the blue arch of heaven itself.”
THE NATURE OF MASONIC CEREMONIES OT-S12 Our rituals and ceremonies are designed to teach spiritual lessons with great dignity. Intender Notes: Anything which is said in a joking or otherwise disrespectful manner, serves only to No horseplay is allowed at any desecrate the honorable purposes of Freemasonry. For this reason, the Grand Lodge place or at any time in our forbids any levity, horseplay, or roughness and insists that there be no such actions ceremonies. during the degree presentation. The Ritual of Freemasonry is As a candidate, you will be asked to change out of your street clothing or suit, and serious in all its aspects - from into a separate garment or “costume” to signify that Masonry regards no man for his first to last. There is no place worldly possessions or status. You will also be blindfolded when you enter the for foolishness or “horseplay” lodge to avoid your seeing the details of the room until you take your first of any kind. (reference Code obligation. Symbolically, this demonstrates that as a candidate, you lack Masonic 365A) knowledge. Should you feel unsteady at any time, you can ask for assistance. You should, however, have no apprehension since a conductor will always be at your side. You will enter a society of friends and brothers, where you will be treated with dignity and decorum at all times.
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BEYOND THE BLUE LODGE OT-S13 There are many affiliated and appendant bodies associated with the Masonic Intender Notes: Fraternity. Most commonly known of these organizations include the Ancient and After receiving the Master Accepted Scottish Rite of Masonry, the York Rite of Freemasonry, and The Shriners Mason degree it is possible to of North America. learn more about Masonry in one of two ways, or both: Membership in these organizations requires that you first become a Master Mason and (1) by diligent study, or that you hold current membership in a regular Blue Lodge. As you become more familiar with the Masonic Order and its appendant bodies, you may find you want to (2) by taking degrees in so- pursue membership in one or more of these appendant bodies. Your membership in a called “appendant bodies”, Blue Lodge will open many additional doors for you to investigate. which will advance your knowledge. The “High” Degrees of Masonry These degrees properly may The question regarding the “high” degrees of Masonry concerns a false impression be called advanced degrees, which prevails today, not only among non-Masons but also among too many but in no sense are they members of the Craft. It is desirable that every Mason should understand the matter “higher,” except numerically clearly, and particularly at the beginning of his Masonic career. for purposes of identification When you are finally made a Master Mason, you will be as “high” in Masonic stature only. as any Mason can go. There is no one in all of Masonry, no matter how many degrees In this process you gain no he may have had or how many honors may have come to him, who is “higher” than a “higher” stature as a Mason - Master Mason. This will soon be obvious to you as you learn that all Master Masons for the Master Mason degree meet under all circumstances upon a common level. is the summit of our ancient and honorable Craft.
YOUR LOCAL LODGE OT-S14 Your lodge will appoint a brother to serve as your Intender (mentor). Take the Intender Notes: opportunity to talk to your Intender to gain knowledge about your local lodge. It is A petition fee is due at the important to meet with the Intender on a regular, scheduled basis. This is the best and time the candidate’s petition most proven way to advance successfully through the Masonic Degrees. Following is presented to the lodge for the First Degree initiation, you will be given some study material and will be consideration. The degree fee, for each degree, is due and expected to complete some memorization work. When ready, you will be examined payable the night each degree on your proficiency in the work and, when successful, you can then advance to the is presented to the candidate. next degree. In Illinois, once the candidate is initiated as an Entered Apprentice, he is allowed to The candidate should be sure attend most regular meetings as long as the lodge is open only on the First Degree. to record the contact information of his However, he cannot vote or hold office until he has completed the Master Mason’s Intender/Mentor and made to Degree. He is not obligated to pay dues until he becomes a Master Mason. feel free to communicate Your Intender will inform you regarding the historic and helpful information about whenever needed. your lodge, such as: When was your Masonic lodge instituted? When was your lodge “Constituted” as a regular Masonic lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A. M of the State of Illinois? Where your lodge temple is located? (insert address). What the lodge phone number is? (insert phone number). When and at what time your lodge meets for regular meetings? What the petition fee, degree fees, and dues are and when they are to be paid?
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ON THE THRESHOLD REVIEW QUESTIONS
How is Freemasonry defined today? (OT-S1)
“an organized society of men symbolically applying the principles of operative Masonry and architecture to the science and art of character building” 1. What is the basic purpose of Masonry? (OT-S2)
“make better men of good men” 2. Speculative Masons were (are) builders. (OT-S3)
spiritual or character 3. What does the title and A.F. & A.M. stand for? (OT-S4)
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons 4. Is Freemasonry a secret society? (OT-S5)
No 5. Is Freemasonry a religion? (OT-S6)
No 6. Does Freemasonry promote the discussion of religion or politics in lodge? (OT-S7)
No 7. In Illinois, what are some charities Freemasons contribute to? (OT-S8)
Illinois Masonic Children's Assistance Program (IMCAP), Illinois Masonic Charities, Masonic Outreach, Shriners’ Hospitals.
8. What is the minimum age requirement for a petitioner? (OT-S9)
18 9. To receive the greatest benefit from the initiation ceremonies, how should a candidate first prepare? (OT-S10)
Prepare his mind and heart for its reception 10. What reasons may explain why the Masonic order is called the Blue Lodge? (OT-S11)
Blue is the color of truth and fidelity, blue is used to characterize friendship, and because of these symbolic associations, blue is used to trim and decorate Masonic aprons, collars and clothing. 11. What is the Grand Lodge position on the use of “horseplay” during Masonic ceremonies? (OT-S12)
The Grand Lodge forbids any levity, horseplay, or roughness. 12. Name a couple of recognized appendant Masonic bodies. (OT-S13)
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, York Rite Masons, Shrine Masons.
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On The Threshold
13. In Illinois, once a candidate is initiated as an Entered Apprentice can he attend stated meetings? (OT-S14)
Yes, as long as the lodge is open on the Entered Apprentice Degree.
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On The Threshold
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Entered Apprentice
THE ENTERED APPRENTICE
THE FIRST STEP IN MASONRY We congratulate you on your admission into our ancient and honorable Fraternity. Ancient, as having existed from time immemorial; honorable, as tending to make all men so who are strictly obedient to its precepts. It is an institution having for its foundation the practice of the moral and social virtues. And to so high an eminence has its credit been advanced, that, in every age and country, men pre-eminent for their moral and intellectual attainments have encouraged and promoted its interests... Be faithful to the trust committed to your care, and manifest your fidelity by a strict observance of the principles of the Fraternity... From the Standard Work: First Degree - Charge
YOUR OBJECTIVES Upon completion of the Entered Apprentice material, you will be able to:
Describe the early history of Freemasonry. Describe the basic nature and purpose of the Masonic Organization. Identify the elected and appointed officers of a Masonic lodge and their duties. Describe the meaning of the First Degree in Masonry. Identify the Masonic symbols and emblems associated with the Entered Apprentice degree. Identify the Masonic ceremonies associated with the Entered Apprentice degree. Identify the Masonic customs associated with the Entered Apprentice degree. Describe the responsibilities and rights of the Entered Apprentice Mason. Present the Due Guard and Sign of the Entered Apprentice Mason. Complete the Entered Apprentice examination.
EARLY HISTORY OF MASONRY EA-S1 The roots of what we know as modern Freemasonry are obscured. Conceptually, the Intender Notes: roots of Masonry can be traced back to antiquity through the histories of builders and Masonic historians continue to their organizations. Generally speaking though, there are several possibilities that point to 1717 as the year when have been suggested to answer the questions regarding Masonry's origins. the Grand Lodge of England became known to the public. One hypothesis is that the medieval building guilds were the descendants of the Not regarding the “clouded” architectural brotherhoods of antiquity. Through the centuries, the master ancient history, the 1717 date builders used apprentices in the construction projects. These apprentices trained is accepted as the time when to be craftsmen and, ultimately, masters of their crafts. Further, it is suggested modern speculative Masonry that the training was not limited to the craft, but included instruction in ethics and was formally organized. morality. The major building efforts were sponsored by the Church, or by princes and political leaders. Another possibility suggests that Masonry originated in the 1300s by a secret group of philosophers and moralists, who adopted architectural allegories, including the tools of the building trades, as a method of expressing their concepts of the values and ethics of life. During this time in the development of the civilization, new thought and the questioning of generally accepted explanations of ethics, and even the explanations regarding the workings of the world, were not viewed with universal enthusiasm. In 1633, the Inquisition
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forced Galileo to deny the theory that the earth moved around the sun instead of the then accepted truth that the sun moved around the earth. Therefore, secrecy in such an organization could be explained. One suggestion is that the origin of Masonry begins at the times of the various crusades. The Knights Templar Crusaders became aware of some of the esoteric traditions of the antiquity of the Near East, and the history and mythology of Jerusalem's destroyed Temple of Solomon. Another theory ascribes the origin of Masonry to the German Christian philosopher Rosenkruez (which means Red Cross). Rosenkruez traveled to the Holy Land in the late 1300s. He returned to Germany in 1401 and is believed to have died there in 1484. The theory says he created a secret society known as the Rosicrucians (Rosy Cross), whose existence was not suspected for 120 years. But in 1605, it began to excite attention in Germany and later in France. This theory holds the beliefs and ordinances of the Rosicrucian Society served as the basis for today's Masonic organizations. The theory commonly accepted as the most reasonable suggests that modern day Freemasonry had its roots in the Middle Age stone mason’s guilds, with no direct extension back to antiquity, and was heavily influenced by the philosophies and social conventions arising during the Enlightenment of the late 17th and 18th centuries. Intender Notes: Early Masonic References The Regius Manuscript The earliest Masonic references are fragmentary records and manuscripts. One of the (Poem) is also referred to as earliest, The Regius Manuscript (Poem), is considered to have been written between 1380 the Halliwell Manuscript. and 1400 and contains the elements of a Constitution of Masonry. This suggests that an organization was evolving which was more ornate than a mere grouping of tradesmen. There are also other well accepted early references to There are many theories as to just when Freemasonry had its beginnings. Some Masonry. In Mackey’s book believe that the early history of Freemasonry goes all the way back to the building of on Masonic Jurisprudence, he King Solomon’s Temple. Some believe that the history of Freemasonry goes even refers to the “Old York further back to the time of Adam or Noah in the Old Testament. However, there is no Constitution of 926.” Both archaeological evidence to support these hypotheses. Until archaeological proof of documents were found by James Orchard Halliwell in the actual start of our fraternity, we must go with the Regius Manuscript and the 1838. history of the operative Freemasons’ guilds or lodges in England and Scotland. Intender Notes: The “Old Charges” The Ancient Charges of a There are a number of historical documents known to Masonic students as the Old or Freemason, acknowledged as Ancient Charges of a Freemason. These documents contain the description of ancient containing the fundamental Masonic law and usage, both written and unwritten: In 1723, a committee in England principles of ancient written compiled and added to these documents, and the resulting document is commonly and unwritten Masonic law, called the Constitution of 1723. These charges lay down the rules for the conduct of were collected from the old the individual Mason, as well as the lodge he attended. They are available for your records of the Fraternity by a review in the Book of Constitution and By-Laws of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge learned committee headed by A.F. & A.M. of the State of Illinois. Brother James Anderson, and published in 1723. Intender Notes: Our Fraternity's Early Form Records of these matters are sketchy, but the medieval builders were operative masons. They were employed to build the manors and castles for royalty, and the cathedrals and other buildings of the Church. As artisans they were in demand, and thus they had the protection of the civil and clerical authorities. This protection allowed them to travel from one area to another, where they could work and receive a master's wages and not be restrained or obligated to pay passage taxes. It is suggested that this may be the root of the term “Free” Mason. Others speculate that the term
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Entered Apprentice comes from their working with freestone, a type of stone particularly suited to fine shaping. Early Masonic organizations were probably composed entirely of operative masons who formed groups somewhat akin to present day labor unions.
The Difference between Operative and Speculative Masons Intender Notes: Operative Masonry was the Over time the Craft has been divided into two major domains, Operative and immediate predecessor of Speculative. Operative masons are those who actually work as stonemasons. At Speculative Masonry. It present, workers in most building trades are included in this category. Speculative represents that period in Masons or Freemasons, on the other hand, are not employed in this capacity. Masonic history, prior to the The Fraternity is now speculative in nature. We don't practice the actual trade. How 18th Century, when members of the Craft were operative did the change occur? It would not be difficult to imagine a group of competent and stone masons and architects, qualified carpenters, stonemasons and architects working closely with the religious actually engaged in the organizations and political leaders who were using their services. Both patron and construction of private and employee probably ascribed closely to allied religious and moral teachings. And most public buildings. They were likely the builders formed societies for their protection, ritualizing initiation the most skilled artisans of ceremonies and then allowed their patrons to become a part of those organizations, their day and much of their initially in an honorary fashion. As their moral and ethical beliefs became more labor was devoted to the broadly known and practiced, other non-operative masons became members by being erection of the great “accepted” into these lodges. It is likely for this reason that men today may not cathedrals which now grace become Masons without professing a belief in Deity. the landscapes of Europe. Speculative Masonry is the As early as 1598, John Boswell, of Auckenlec, Scotland is said to have attended a nature of our fraternity as we meeting of masons at Mary's Chapel Lodge. His is the earliest authenticated instance know and practice it today. of a non-operative mason being a member of a Masonic organization. In 1686, a pamphlet, The Natural History of Staffordshire, was published by Dr. Robert Plot. It refers to the “Society of Freemasons” in Staffordshire and states that persons of the most eminent quality did not disdain to be of this fellowship. This suggests, membership in Masonic organizations by people who were not operating masons was not an uncommon occurrence. By 1700, non-operative Masons were, by far, in the majority in recognized Scottish and English lodges. Speculative Masonry refers to the character of our Craft as it developed from the final years of the operative era to modern times, particularly since 1717, when the first Grand Lodge was organized. The actual working tools of the builders or operative Masons - the gauge, the gavel (or stone mallet), the square, plumb, level, trowel, etc. were no longer necessarily used by the Freemasons to erect structures of stone, but as symbolic tools in the erection of their personal spiritual temples, houses “not made with hands.” They have become powerful symbols which carry moral and spiritual lessons to a speculative Craft. Thus, through these symbolic “working tools”, Freemasonry has become a system of ethics inculcating the principles of right conduct as a way of life. The Change from Operative to Speculative Intender Notes: The change occurred gradually over a period extending from the latter half of the 17th Century (1600’s) to the early part of the 18th Century (1700’s). Gentlemen of that day, including rulers and high-ranking officials who had no desire or intent to become stone masons or builders, sought membership in the Operative Lodges for the many spiritual, social, and cultural advantages they offered. By consent they were admitted and became “accepted” Masons, whose interest in the lodge was purely “speculative.” As the commissions for the Gothic style of architecture began to decline, the demand for operative Masons, the builders and architects, gradually diminished until finally, the very existence of the operative Craft was seriously threatened. Fortunately, at this time there was evidence of a growing interest in Speculative Masonry with a corresponding increase in the number of “accepted” members. If this
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Entered Apprentice interest had not prevailed, it is probable that the Craft would have passed into oblivion and there would be no Freemasonry today. However, the Craft literally was “saved” by the “accepted” members, and in 1717, four old London Lodges held a joint meeting at the Apple Tree Tavern in Covent Garden, London and the representatives decided to establish a Grand Lodge. Thus the operative Craft became purely speculative; and, with the organization of the Mother Grand Lodge, Speculative Masonry became dominant and has remained so ever since. Intender Notes: The First Grand Lodge is Formed Following the meeting at the Apple Tree Tavern in 1717, they resolved to hold annual meetings and a feast. They also decided to elect a Grand Master. On June 24 of that year (St. John the Baptist's Day) they met at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St. Paul's Churchyard, London. Anthony Sayer was elected the first Grand Master of the Masons.
Grand Lodges were soon established in Ireland and Scotland. Thereafter, the record is less fragmentary, though still not complete. However, the record of the growth of our Fraternity and the attempts to suppress it are fairly clear, once the first Grand Lodge was formally established.
English Masonry went to France sometime between 1718 and 1725. The first Spanish lodge was established in 1728. A lodge was established in Prague in 1729, in Calcutta in 1730, and in Naples in 1731. Masonry entered Poland in 1734 and Sweden in 1735. Also in 1735, a lodge was established in the Vatican. Masons are taught that all men are equal regardless of race, creed or religion, and although distinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordination, Masonically we meet upon the level. Individual freedom of thought and action, as well as morality and ethics, are the concepts and ideals upon which our Order is founded. Yet, the growth of Freemasonry and its ideals and beliefs came not without opposition. The teachings of Anathema: 1. a thing or equality and free will are an anathema to autocratic governments. This can be seen in person accursed or damned; our century when Masonry was outlawed by Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Benito hence 2. anything greatly Mussolini, Franco of Spain, the dictator Salazar of Portugal and the communist detested Arbenz during his regime in Guatemala. In the 18th century, when the rumblings of the demands for reform and more democratic governments began to be heard, the ideals of Masonry were, in some political quarters, highly suspect. The result was that Masons were persecuted for their involvement, and even their leadership in such agitation. There have always been anti-masons - and there probably always will be such individuals and groups. Intender Notes: The Origins of Masonic Ritual Originally it was not th The origin of our ritual cannot be traced much beyond the 18 century, or around 1700. composed as “ritual” or series The father of the English ritual was undoubtedly William Preston. This ritual has been of ceremonies. It was called refined and polished without being basically changed in character for over two centuries the “work” and perpetuated since Preston first used it in London. Essentially, we have been using ritualistic work in usages, activities, and Masonry since 1700, and it was refined and completed by William Preston around 1760. practices of the daily work and Increased literacy figured prominently in refining ritual practices. customs of the operative masons. With the admission of Prior to this, the ritual of Freemasonry was a continuation of the practices and non-operative or “accepted” customs of the day-to-day work of the operative masons. The emphasis gradually members in the 17th Century shifted from the practical to the moral and spiritual values as the Accepted Masons the “work” gradually became began to outnumber the operative brethren in the lodges. more ritualistic and symbolic. Organized Freemasonry was In early speculative masonry, there may have been but one degree and a Master's part. By born when the first Grand the first quarter of the 1700s, three degrees were used. Around 1813, the United Grand Lodge was formed in London. Lodge of England declared that “Ancient Craft Masonry consists of three degrees and no more...” Today, the three degrees of Symbolic Masonry are the Entered Apprentice, the
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Fellowcraft, and the Master Mason. While they originally included the Holy Royal Arch, it has since been eliminated from the Symbolic Lodge ritual and is now worked in Chapters of Royal Arch Masons of the appendant body known as the York Rite. Intender Notes: The Names of the Three Degrees Historically, the main body of Operative Masonry was composed of Fellows of the Craft and Master Masons. Apprentices were a subordinate and probationary class of workers, and Masters were generally the older and more experienced Fellows, who thus became the “superintendents” of the work. Early in the 18th Century, as Speculative Masonry gained ascendancy, Apprentices became the body of the Fraternity and Fellowcrafts and Masters were entrusted with the offices. During this period, the two latter degrees could be conferred only at a meeting of the Grand Lodge. Later, when the subordinate lodges were permitted to confer the second and third degrees, Master Masons became the main body of the Craft, and they so remain to this day. Intender Notes: Historical Names in Masonry Frederick the Great became a Mason in 1738, Lord Byron (uncle of the poet) was the Grand Master of the British lodges in 1747. The first record of a royal prince becoming a Mason dates back to 1731 when the Duke of Lorraine was made a Mason in The Hague. In 1771, King Gustav III of Sweden and his two brothers became Masons. According to some authorities, Napoleon Bonaparte was made a Mason in Malta in 1798. Alexander I of Russia became a Mason in 1803, and the Prince of Wales was elected Grand Master of Masonry in Scotland in 1805. King Christian VIII of Denmark became a Mason in 1817. His son, Christian IX, became a Mason in 1836, and Emperor Wilhelm I of Germany was initiated in 1840. In England, Edward VII, Edward VIII and King George VI were Masons. All of the following great composers were Masons: Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Giacomo Puccini, and Jan Sibelius. Authors included Robert Burns, Rudyard Kipling, Sir Walter Scott, Oscar Wilde, Voltaire, Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift and Samuel Johnson. Whenever you read of European revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries, you are apt to find Masons involved. For example, the Italian revolutionary Garibaldi was a Mason as was his Hungarian counterpart, Kossuth. In the European political arena, Masonry is well represented. Winston Churchill and Anthony Eden were Masons, as were the Czech liberator Jan Masaryk and Czech President Edward Benes. Other European Masons you will recognize include those who helped in our revolution; men like Lafayette, Rochambeau, von Steuben, Pulaski, Kosciusko, and De Kalb, to name just a few.
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Entered Apprentice
Intender Notes: The Language of Freemasonry Much of our Masonic ritual This question is often asked by initiates. The ritual of Freemasonry is a product of was written during the 18th the early decades of the 18th Century. Our ritual retains much of the language of Century. Naturally it partook that century, with rhythms and words from civil law, such as ‘hereby and here on’ of the language and idioms of or ‘promise and swear’ as well as other words and phrases from the very old work. that period and also included This is why the Masonic language is written and spoken as it is, even though it does words and phrases of an seem somewhat archaic today. earlier day. The earliest rituals were designed by men who recognized the value of such words in “capturing” the attention of the candidate, as well as their extraordinary power of expressing an idea either symbolically or literally. Changes have been made in the ritual from time to time, but these peculiar words and phrases have become such an integral part of Freemasonry that, it is hoped, they will never be altered or abandoned.
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Entered Apprentice
MASONIC ORGANIZATION EA-S2
Freemasons are men who have joined together in order to improve themselves Intender Notes: through the principles and ceremonies of the Fraternity. They endeavor to extend It is suggested that the Masonic lessons into their daily lives in order to become positive influences in their Intender provide the initiate homes, communities, and our nation and throughout the world. They base their with information about his efforts on morality, justice, charity, truth and the laws of the Supreme Being. At this local lodge. When does the writing, there are about 70,000 Masons in the State of Illinois. Worldwide, lodge meet and what events and meetings the initiate may membership encompasses nearly three million men who believe and support the same attend. How he can fundamental tenets. participate in Masonry and what expectations the lodge has of the initiate. It may be beneficial to also discuss how often the lodge confers degrees and how long the initiate should plan to take to complete his studies, examinations, and degree conferrals.
Intender Notes: Masonic Lodge Buildings A lodge is a meeting place for Masons. This place may be used by Masons for regular business meetings, degree conferrals, and social activities. It is also used by other Masonic groups or even for community activities. Lodge buildings or temples are often prominently marked, and sometimes recognized as special landmarks in the cities and towns of our state. Thus, Freemasonry is certainly not a “secret society.” Intender Notes: The Degrees The lessons in Masonry are taught in three separate stages by our symbolic lodges. The Degrees, in the order conferred, are Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Each integrates Masonic moral philosophy in a unique lesson, which is intended to have serious impact and influence on the man who receives it. Intender Notes: The Local Lodge The lodge at the local level is that group of Masons who have been granted a charter by the Grand Lodge having jurisdiction in their state. There are specific guidelines set by the Grand Lodge as to how this local lodge must function, and what it can and cannot do. These guidelines are set forth in a collection of codes and requirements entitled the Book of Constitution and By-laws. Each elected and appointed officer is installed at a ceremony of installation and must promise, upon his honor as a Mason that he will, to the best of his ability, conform to and abide by the ancient landmarks, regulations and usages of Masonry, the constitution, the edicts of the Grand Lodge, and the by-laws of his local lodge. Each officer has sworn to faithfully perform the duties of his office.
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Entered Apprentice
LODGE OFFICERS EA-S3
The following lodge officers are elected to their stations and places by the lodge Intender Notes: membership, usually for a one-year term. “Worshipful” is an old English word signifying the “worthy of Worshipful Master respect.” Masonically it is a The Worshipful Master is the Chief Executive Officer of the lodge. In the local lodge title of respect for the Master of his word is final (within the limits of the Lodge's By-laws, which must conform to the Lodge. our Grand Lodge codes), so his duty is one of great responsibility. He must make Only the Worshipful Master every effort to exemplify the noble traits of our Fraternity and to be a good man, a may wear a hat in lodge. good leader, and a good citizen. The social wellbeing and financial prosperity of the There are two reasons, both lodge rest in his hands, and he must carefully weigh his decisions and actions to symbolic: (1) Keeping the head properly fulfill these stewardship responsibilities. covered while all others are uncovered has long been The Master has at his disposal an entire corps of officers to help him, and he has an symbolic of superior rank or obligation to ensure that the officers conduct themselves in a manner set forth by our office. By the same token, Grand Lodge. He is also responsible for all new candidates entering into the lodge, uncovering the head in the making certain their degrees and their Masonic education are conducted in the proper presence of superior rank has manner. Finally, it is the Worshipful Master's duty, at the time he assumes his office, long been established as a to have an outline or, preferably, an entire program of activities and events for his mark of respect. (2) year (in Masonic terms, his trestleboard) thoroughly planned. Traditionally, the Master of a Why is the presiding officer of the lodge called worshipful? Masonic lodge wears a hat while presiding over his lodge This is an old English word meaning worthy of respect. Since the Master was because King Solomon wore a chosen by the brethren, they deem him to have sufficient wisdom, integrity, and crown as a mark of royal Masonic knowledge to govern the lodge properly. dignity. Why is the Worshipful Master's station in the East? In the world of nature, the sun rises in the East to shed light and luster on the earth. In like manner, it is the province of the Master to be the source of Masonic knowledge for his brethren as they “approach the East in search of light.” Intender Notes: Senior Warden The Senior Warden's station in the lodge room is in the West. His office is like the vice president of a company. He stays well versed regarding the lodge and its affairs, and his regular attendance at stated and special meetings must be characterized by punctuality and dedication. In the event of the absence of the Worshipful Master, the Senior Warden assumes the duties and responsibilities of that officer. In addition to these duties, the Senior Warden is responsible for carrying out the wishes of the Worshipful Master and assisting him in maintaining a regular and well-governed lodge. During his year, the Senior Warden is also carefully planning his program and mastering his ritual for his anticipated year as the Master of his lodge. At his installation, the Senior Warden is reminded that his station is one which functions on the level (the jewel of his office), which teaches that we all descend from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope and while some distinctions among men are necessary, no advancement in rank should cause us to forget that we are all brethren. Intender Notes: Junior Warden The Junior Warden's station in the lodge room is in the South. His office is like that of a second vice president of a company; in the event of the Senior Warden's absence, the Junior Warden moves to that station. The Junior Warden wears a jewel of his office which is the plumb. This teaches us to act uprightly in our various life roles, to control our desires, and work to achieve balance in our lives. The Junior Warden is in charge of
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Entered Apprentice the Craft during the hours of refreshment, and in many lodges arranges for the serving of refreshments to the brethren. Treasurer Intender Notes: It is the Treasurer's duty to receive monies paid to the lodge from the Secretary, to keep an accurate accounting of these, and to pay out necessary funds by the order of the Worshipful Master and with the approval of the lodge. Secretary Intender Notes: The Secretary also is elected for one year. It is his responsibility to comply with the directives and wishes of the Worshipful Master. He writes the minutes of the meetings of the lodge and other activities, sends a copy of these proceedings to the Grand Lodge when requested, receives all monies paid into the lodge and then transfers them to the Treasurer. The following officers are appointed by the Worshipful Master, or in some lodges elected Intender Notes: by the membership, to serve with the Master during his term.
Chaplain It is the Chaplain's duty to perform the solemn services which remind us of our Creator, whose Spirit is refining our souls, strengthening our virtues and purifying our minds, that we might fulfill our lives in service to Him as we serve others in Masonry and all people throughout the world. Intender Notes: Senior and Junior Deacons The Senior and Junior Deacon's duties are to assist the Master and Wardens by acting as their proxies in the active duties of the lodge, such as in the reception of the candidates into the degrees of Masonry, the introduction and accommodation of visitors, and in the immediate practice of our rites. Intender Notes: Senior and Junior Stewards The Senior and Junior Steward's duties are to see that the tables are properly furnished at refreshment and that every brother is suitably provided for. The Stewards also assist the Deacons and other officers in performing their duties. Intender Notes: Marshal The principal job of the Marshal is to make sure the lodge room is prepared for degree work. His other duties include taking charge of the preparation room door, and leading all public processions of the lodge. Intender Notes: Organist The Organist is in charge of providing music for lodge functions, and is available to assist on all committees of the lodge. Intender Notes: Tyler The word “tyle” is here The Tyler's job is to guard against improper intrusion, and to assist all visitors and presented in its archaic form members in gaining admission to the lodge after it is open. merely because it thus The Tyler guards the entrances (West Gate) to the lodge room. A lodge is said to be represents another connective link with the earlier days of duly “tyled” when the necessary precautions have been taken to guard against Freemasonry. The modern intrusion by unauthorized persons who are not qualified to enter (“cowans and spelling is “tile.” eavesdroppers”). The term “Cowan” comes He also informs the Junior Deacon when a qualified Brother wishes to enter while the from the Old Scotch lodge is in session. He should, at the same time, tell the entering Brother which language. It stands for a degree the lodge is currently working on. The Tyler should also confirm those Mason without the word; an entering the lodge are properly clothed (wearing an apron correctly). unskilled laborer in wall building and stone work; one
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Entered Apprentice
who builds walls without Some Lodges require the Tyler to setup and see that the lodge room is in proper order mortar. In Freemasonry, it is prior to each meeting. an uninstructed Mason. To qualify to be a Tyler, he must be a Master Mason, but not necessarily a member of the lodge for which he tyles. Where several lodges meet in the same hall, one Brother may be employed to tyle for them all. It is highly desirable that a Tyler have a wide acquaintance among the Lodge's membership. Intender Notes: Officers and Committees of the First Degree This comprises the regular corps of officers. In addition to these officers, there are a number of positions and committees filled in each lodge in order to carry out the requirements of important Grand Lodge programs such as Lodge Education and Membership Retention. When a Masonic lodge is open on the First Degree (Entered Apprentice), seven officers are required. These are the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Senior Deacon, and Junior Deacon. It is usually the officers who conduct the degree work in the lodge in accordance with the book of ritual entitled the Standard Work adopted by our Illinois Grand Lodge. Each takes a part in all three degrees, indicating the amount of time and hard work that goes into the operation of a well governed lodge. From the Junior Steward's place to the Worshipful Master's station in the East, there are seven years of time and work, but each Past Master looks back on his years with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Intender Notes: Your Intender The Worshipful Master of the To assist you on your Masonic journey, you have been assigned (appointed by the lodge bears the full Worshipful Master) a true and trusted friend. His title is Intender, which is a term responsibility of proper from operative Scottish Masonry similar in meaning to our word “mentor” today. It is instruction of all members of his responsibility to serve as your teacher, mentor, coach, or poster. In Masonry, to the lodge; but under the “post” means to learn and memorize your degree catechisms. Your proficiency on the Intender Program he Entered Apprentice catechism will be examined and declared “satisfactory” before designates a qualified Brother you can move on to the next degree in Masonry. to act as the initiate's special adviser and instructor (called an Intender). The Intender works with his candidate until the candidate has completely understood the fundamental teachings of the three degrees.
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Entered Apprentice
MEANING OF THE FIRST DEGREE EA-S4
You have begun your personal journey through Freemasonry. This journey may seem Intender Notes: strange to you. All that has happened thus far is unfamiliar and not likely similar to your usual experiences. The deep and serious philosophy of Freemasonry is not to be grasped and fully understood simply, easily, nor quickly. It will, as any brother will tell you, take a lifetime of study to fully understand and appreciate. An understanding of the deep meaning hidden in our degrees and in the workings of our Fraternity lay before you. The first thing you must understand is that the philosophy of Freemasonry is taught by symbols and allegory. This is a method of teaching as ancient as mankind itself. By this method you are required to work out some of the meanings yourself. In this way, your own experience will unite with our symbols and allegories and provide a lasting and deeper impression upon you. Secondly, and of equal importance, is that Freemasonry treats and is concerned with the individual man, not mankind nor men, but man, the you and the me, the individual. Its traditional statement is “that it takes good men and makes them better men.” How it does this is the subject and work of the Three Degrees. The First Degree, which you have just taken, is the beginning of this process. The three degrees of Masonry have a symbolic meaning. They represent and are symbols of the three ages of man: young manhood, middle age, and old age. The First Degree represents you in your young manhood, that period just after leaving the joys and carefree days of your youth. It is the age when you begin to undertake full responsibility for your life. By entering this degree you leave the things of youth behind you. The training and decisions which have been made for you by family, society, church, and school will no longer be made for you. You must now make them for yourself. You must bear the responsibility for their correctness. Remember, even if you are of later years, it is symbolic in nature. By knocking on our door for admission you are, in effect, saying, “I am leaving youth behind and asking for admission to manhood.” Masonry will teach you to make your decisions and plans for life in a moral and upright fashion. It will teach the duties you have toward God (referred to as the Grand Architect of the Universe) and how to best perform those duties. The First Degree bears another symbolic meaning. Just as man is of three ages, so is man of three parts: body, mind, and soul. The First Degree represents the body of man. At your lodge meetings you will hear this in the form of a question when the Worshipful Master asks the Senior Warden, “What came you here to do?” And is answered, “To learn to subdue my passions and improve myself in Masonry.” We must subdue our passions, our strong bodily desires and our emotions. Thus, our thinking may be done logically with all our actions planned and well reasoned. We must learn to understand ourselves, to look within, seeing and knowing our weaknesses and our strengths. As an Entered Apprentice we have entered a new world. It is a world wherein we are solely responsible for our actions, a world in which we must learn to improve ourselves, a world based on reason. It is through the lessons taught in Freemasonry that we will accomplish this. In this degree, we have received a minimal introduction to Freemasonry. We learned what a lodge is, its furnishings, and its physical make up. We were taught our basic and fundamental duties; those duties toward our God, our country, our family, our neighbors, and last but not least, our duty towards ourselves. Those duties shape our future actions.
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Entered Apprentice
We learned that charity is not just the giving of alms, but that it is love, suffering for another, aiding the unfortunate to overcome misfortune, and always celebrating in another's success. The cardinal virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice were taught and explained. Together with Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, you learn and understand what is expected of you. And lastly, the Three Great Lights were explained to you, the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses. With these, and with your working tools, you should never err in making the correct decision and finding your own proper rule of life. Three times has man tried to build a temple wherein the Creator might dwell; three Intender Notes: times he has failed. The first temple was built by Moses in the Sinai desert (Exodus 25:8), the second built by King Solomon in Jerusalem, and the third temple which was built on the site of the ruins of Solomon’s original temple. You now start to build the fourth temple, wherein God may reside, but this one is different. This one will be built in your heart. It is there that God may finally dwell and rest. And, this temple shall never be destroyed, unless you destroy it yourself. This, of course, is an awesome responsibility. So stand there in the Northeast Corner, where you were placed and where all buildings are begun. It is there that you begin to build your own temple. It is a temple which may only be built with the help of Freemasonry. Through your study of Freemasonry, you will find it deals with the great questions that have always been asked by man. Questions that you have certainly thought about and wondered over. What is my relation to God? What is the purpose and destiny of man, and me as a man? Why must I die? How do I fit in with nature and the overall scheme of things? And even more important, how do I govern myself, my emotions, my passions, and my intellect? Freemasonry will assist you in developing your philosophy, and the tools you need to deal with these questions. Regardless of your religious beliefs, you will find that by applying yourself to Freemasonry and its lessons you will obtain a deeper understanding of the nature of the God and your duties toward Him. Intender Notes: First Prepared in His Heart The heart is the traditional seat of the affections, passions, and desires. All the actions of a man's life issue and proceed from the heart. As a man's heart is, so will his life be. If his heart is clean and purified, his life cannot be wicked and vicious. Fundamentally, Masonry's first concern is with the strengthening of character in the individual which is the building of a Spiritual Temple, and unless the heart is receptive the mind will not properly respond to this basic objective. Duly and Truly Prepared Intender Notes: The wearing of special garments furnished by the lodge is symbolic. It emphasizes the concern of Freemasonry with a man's internal worth, rather than with his external adornments of position, wealth, or environment. By wearing these garments you also signify the sincerity of your intentions. The hoodwink demonstrates that as a sightless individual, you need a guide. It symbolizes our dependence upon moral teachings for guidance in our daily conduct. “We walk by faith and not by sight.” The hoodwink also signifies that you have set aside the distractions of the outer world and are prepared to concentrate upon the lessons you will receive in the lodge room. The cable-tow symbolizes the length or extent of your responsibility as measured by the “scope of your reasonable ability” to live up to your obligations.
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Entered Apprentice
The Journey Around the Lodge Room Intender Notes: This journey has a two-fold purpose. First, to enable all present to view you as a The term Circumambulation candidate and ascertain that you were “duly and truly prepared”. Second, it is means to walk around. patterned after one of the most ancient of all religious rites. An important part of this religious rite was the circumambulation around an Altar, moving in the same direction as the sun. In his search for Light the candidate starts from darkness, in the North, travels to the East (the source of Light), and then by way of the South to the West, and then back into darkness. He again comes out of the North and passes through the same course again and again in his progress, moving in the same direction as the sun, i.e., according to natural laws and Truth as gathered by human wisdom through the ages.
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Entered Apprentice
SYMBOLS AND EMBLEMS OF THE FIRST DEGREE EA-S5 Most of the great lessons of Freemasonry are imparted by symbols which were carefully selected by our Masonic forefathers. An emblem is the visible representation of an idea, often carrying allegorical significance and suggesting some truth or fact. Thus the American Flag is the emblem of the United States. It speaks to us in a broad language that is at once more vivid and understandable than mere words. All Masonic emblems are important; each should be completely understood by the initiate.
Intender Notes: The Emblems of Masonry Ideally, for a new Mason to The emblems express Masonic truths in ways that words alone cannot. By reflecting better understand the on the symbolic meaning, it is hoped that as an Entered Apprentice, you will apply symbols, ceremonies, and our teachings to your daily life. For example, the lambskin or white apron is a symbol customs of the degree, you of innocence. The twenty-four inch gauge is a symbol of the twenty-four hours of the should take him on a “walk- day, and a wise use of time is suggested by this emblem. The rituals of the three about” in the lodge room, degrees, being symbolic in nature, are designed to represent, in a meaningful way, stopping at each point in his how you should live your life. initiation ceremony and explain its significance and In this degree you are introduced to the following: answer any questions which may occur. This practice should be repeated for each degree. Intender Notes: The Hoodwink The hoodwink is a symbol of the darkness wherein the uninitiated dwell. It is also a symbol of secrecy, and its use is practiced for spiritual rather than physical reasons. The darkness of the hoodwink is replaced by the light of understanding when you begin to discover the mysteries of Freemasonry. Intender Notes: The Cable-Tow The cable-tow is a symbol of the external restraints which are placed upon the life of man. It is generally regarded as a symbol of the scope of your ability to perform your obligations to your brethren. Intender Notes: The Holy Saints John Freemasonry long ago chose as its moral exemplars Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist. In doing this, the brethren arrived at the conclusion that both Saints John belonged to a lodge, and that it must have been in the city in which they lived, which was Jerusalem. By this tradition, all lodges symbolically came from one at Jerusalem. Also by tradition, every Mason symbolically hails from such a lodge. In this manner, we establish that we are members of a just and regularly constituted lodge. Intender Notes: Form of a Lodge The form of a lodge is an oblong square, or a rectangle. It extends from East to West and between North and South. The East in a Masonic lodge is symbolic, and does not necessarily mean the actual point of the compasses. The East, in the lodge room, is where the Worshipful Master sits and presides. From this “station” he dispenses light and instruction to all his brethren. The other points, West, South and North, are located in proper relation to the Master’s station. Intender Notes: The Altar The central piece of furniture in the lodge is the Altar, and upon it rests the Three Great Lights in Masonry. The Altar is symbolic of many things. Its location is the
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Entered Apprentice center of the lodge and symbolizes the place where the Supreme Being resides in Masonry, as it should in every person's life. As a candidate, you approach the Altar in search of light and assume your obligations there. In the presence of the Supreme Being and your brethren, you offer yourself to the service of the Grand Architect of the Universe and to mankind in general. Intender Notes: The Great Light of Freemasonry In some foreign lodges The presence of the Volume of the Sacred Law is one of the Ancient Landmarks of (particularly in India) more Freemasonry, and is an indispensable part of the furniture of the Lodge. The Great than one Sacred Book is open Light of Freemasonry is the volume of the Sacred Law of the religion predominant in on the Altar at the same time, that jurisdiction, and it is an indispensable part of the furniture of a lodge. The Grand and the candidate may select Lodges of the United States, and our Grand Lodge of Illinois, normally use the Holy the one on which he wishes to Bible on their Altars. be obligated. In other countries, where the predominant faith may not be Christian, but rather Muslim or Jewish, the appropriate sacred book will be used instead of the Bible. For degrees and obligations, a candidate, who is not a Christian, may request the substitution of any other volume which he considers sacred; e.g., the Old Testament, the Koran, the Vedas, or the Laws of Confucius. In Illinois, when a lodge is open, the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses must be displayed upon the Altar. The open Bible signifies that we should regulate our conduct according to its teachings, because it is the rule and guide of our faith. The square is a symbol of morality, truthfulness, and honesty. To “act on the square” is to act honestly. The compasses are a symbol of restraint, skill, and knowledge. Together they are seen by the general public as the most recognizable symbol of Freemasonry. Intender Notes: The Lesser Lights Three burning tapers or lights arranged in a triangular form. These represent the sun, the moon, and the Worshipful Master of the lodge. Intender Notes: The Working Tools The working tools presented to you as the candidate are those used by the ancient operative craftsman in the erection of a building. To the speculative Mason, these represent the moral habits and forces by which man shapes and reshapes his human nature. By these symbolic tools, he also fits his own behavior to society. Intender Notes: The Northeast Corner The first stone of a building is The northeast corner is the traditional location of the cornerstone or foundation stone of a usually placed in the building. Both the stone and its location signify a beginning. As an Entered Apprentice, Northeast corner because that you are placed at this point, midway between the darkness of the North and the brilliance is the beginning, the line of the East, to signify that you have begun your Masonic life. You left the darkness of the where darkness (North) ends, North, which symbolizes a lack of knowledge about the Masonic life, and are moving and light (East) begins. toward the light of knowledge which comes from the East. As an Entered Apprentice you laid the foundation stone of your Masonic life, and must now build your character utilizing the light of the teachings which come from the East. Intender Notes: King Solomon's Temple The frequent references to King Solomon's Temple in this and other degrees may lead to the false conclusion that the Fraternity was founded by him. Freemasonry became an organized craft many centuries after the reign of Solomon. While our ritual is based upon Masonic legends connected with both Solomon and the Temple at Jerusalem, these references simply provide an impressive backdrop for the symbolism we use.
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Entered Apprentice
CEREMONIES OF THE FIRST DEGREE EA-S6
Intender Notes: Special Garments The wearing of special garments during each of the degrees in Masonry is part of being “duly and truly prepared.” These garments are furnished by the lodge in order to emphasize our concern with man's internal qualities, rather than his worldly wealth and honors. By wearing the garments of humility you signified the sincerity of your intentions. Intender Notes: The Rite of Destitution It not only charges us to give Asking you to divest yourself of all metals which might be upon your person is physical relief, but also to also an ancient custom and was practiced in the older initiations. This ancient rite give thought and time to the is still used to teach you to bring nothing into the lodge which would destroy its aid of others, visiting the sick, peace and harmony. By being divested of all worldly possessions and leaving and sympathizing with the them outside the lodge, you are reminded that you must leave your passions and unfortunate. prejudices outside when you enter the lodge. The lesson of relieving another Brother's distress is also taught by this means. Intender Notes: The Obligation It should be emphasized that The obligation is at the heart of the degree and has a two-fold purpose. You have the great truths taught by solemnly bound yourself to Freemasonry and you take on certain responsibilities Freemasonry are not secret. for the rest of your Masonic life. The obligation, and the manner in which it is It is only the manner in which taken, is visible and audible evidence of your sincerity of purpose. Without it, we teach them and pass them nothing you might say or do could be considered binding. By taking the obligation, on to future brothers that is you give irrevocable evidence of your sincere intentions. Thus our Fraternity not only held in confidence among our binds you to certain responsibilities, but also protects itself against a revelation of the brethren. secrets of Freemasonry, which have to do chiefly with our methods of recognition and The word “hele” is an old symbolic instruction. Saxon word meaning conceal. Intender Notes: Penalties for Violation of the Obligation The violation of a Masonic In medieval times the penalties for willful violation of an obligation may have obligation is a most serous resulted in physical harm, but now they are of a symbolic nature. They are offense, which may deserve intended to indicate the seriousness of the obligation. The Mason who violates his the severest punishment, but obligation will subject himself to Masonic discipline, which could include the for which the Brother is loss of membership in the lodge and the Fraternity, either by suspension or penalized only by reprimand, expulsion. suspension, or expulsion from the Craft. A violation of your obligations may subject you to the scorn of your Brethren. You may lose your rights of membership, but physical punishment of any kind will never take place. The ancient oral penalties are retained in the obligations to emphasize how seriously the Fraternity regards the responsibilities you have voluntarily assumed. The penalties are symbolical, and intended to emphasize the seriousness of your undertaking. Intender Notes: The Lectures The lectures attached to the degree are intended to elaborate on certain aspects of the ritual, giving a broader explanation of the ritual in order for you to better understand the ceremony of initiation. The lectures are an important part of our degree work.
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Entered Apprentice
Intender Notes: The Explanatory Lecture The first degree Explanatory lecture is your review of all that you experienced during the First Section of the First Degree. Each action taken, each request made, each word spoken is carefully explained in great detail. To prepare for the next degree, you are expected to remember and be able to describe your First Degree experience as it is detailed by this lecture. Intender Notes: The Forms and Supports Lecture Forms and Supports elaborates on certain phases of the degree work, in order that you may clearly understand the purposes behind some of the important ceremonies you have experienced. It not only instructs, but also interprets much of the degree's basic symbolism. Intender Notes: The Tenets and Cardinal Virtues Lecture The third lecture, Tenets and Cardinal Virtues, continues the basic teachings of the First Degree. It is presented to impress them indelibly in your mind. This lecture visually presents the important Entered Apprentice symbols and discusses their moral applications. The tenets of Freemasonry are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. The four cardinal virtues are Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice. These are all given particular emphasis. Intender Notes: The Charge The charge sums up the At the end of the ritualistic ceremony of initiation and instruction, you are candidates expected duties. charged to perform your Masonic duties. You are reminded of your obligations as a man and as a Mason. You are admonished regarding your actions toward society and how to apply the teachings of the degree in daily living. At an appropriate place in the ceremonies of each degree you receive a concise summary of your new duties and responsibilities, and you are “charged” or directed to perform them in a creditable manner. Intender Notes: The Catechism The Intender should introduce The purpose of the catechism is to impress and reinforce the significance of the the initiate to the short form various ceremonies, and the order in which you have received them. and long form catechism and If you complete all three long form catechisms, you will receive a Certificate of determine which path the initiate would prefer to take in Proficiency. A short form catechism is available but while short form initiates may completing the examination advance through the degrees more quickly, they do not receive the Certificate of and preparing for his next Proficiency until they have satisfactorily completed the Long Form Catechisms as well. degree. Intender Notes: Memorizing the Catechism First, the catechism is memorized so that you are completely familiar with Freemasonry's basic teachings. Through its presentation, you will also demonstrate “suitable proficiency” and show that you are ready to be advanced to the next degree. Once memorized, you are also able to prove your proficiency as a Mason at any time. Thus you can pass an examination should you desire to visit any lodge where you are unknown to the Brethren. Being able to give prompt and accurate responses to the catechism questions will reflect credit upon you and your Lodge. The memorization of the ritual will also better prepare you as an officer of the lodge should you aspire to serve.
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Entered Apprentice
CUSTOMS OF THE FRATERNITY EA-S7
Intender Notes: The Masonic Apron The public wearing or display The apron has been used since ancient times, and it has taken many forms among of the apron, white gloves, the various crafts in the world. We usually associate this with Freemasonry, but it and other Masonic lodge was used by more than the operative stonemason. The apprentice stonemason paraphernalia will require wore his apron with a bib held in place by a strap around his neck. This protected the prior approval of the his clothing from damage by the large, rough stones which he handled. Grand Master (dispensation).
The apron was used as a symbol in many of the Ancient Mysteries. In Masonic ritual Such is the case for Masonic it is compared with some of the most noted and honored decorations of ancient and participation in a parade. modern Europe, with the assurance that it, too, is an ennobling decoration. To Freemasons the apron also is a symbol of the dignity of work, and of the care that should be exercised to do our work in a manner that reflects credit upon our character. As Masons, the apron is worn on all occasions under the direct supervision of the lodge. The apron should also be worn in public for Masonic funerals. Also, the wearing of the apron may be required for other, strictly Masonic ceremonies, such as the public installation of officers or the laying of a cornerstone. Intender Notes: Standing and Sitting One sound of the gavel calls The gavel in the hands of the Master of a lodge is one of the symbols of authority by the Brethren to order; two which he governs. When the gavel is sounded once in the East at the beginning of a sounds call the previously lodge meeting, the brethren must come to order and be seated. Sounding the gavel designated officers of the twice calls the officers to their feet, and three times means that all brethren must lodge to their feet; three stand. Sounding the gavel once seats everyone in the lodge who is standing. sounds will cause all the Brethren to arise: one sound If the Worshipful Master addresses you by name, arise, face the East and listen to his will seat the lodge or any instruction. If you wish to speak, arise and say, “Worshipful Master,” and then wait Brother thereof. until the Master recognizes you. In many jurisdictions, a Mason wishing to speak must also come on the Due Guard. Due Guard: see the next section: “The Due Guard and Sign of an Entered Apprentice.” Intender Notes: The Opening Prayer In Illinois, the prayers we It is a traditional requirement that a lodge be opened or closed with a prayer recite in our ceremonies are which is offered by the Chaplain. The wording of these prayers avoids part of our “Standard Work” sectarianism in the lodge. Following the word “amen”, each member responds and as such are considered a with the words “So mote it be,” meaning “So may it ever be” or “So must it be” mandatory part of our Ritual. in Old Middle English. The members, responding in this manner, signify that they adopt as their own words, those presented in the prayer. Each brother Mason has professed a belief in a Supreme Being, Masonically known as The Supreme Architect of the Universe. It is your personal religious belief that dictates just whom that Supreme Being may be.
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Entered Apprentice
RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ENTERED APPRENTICE EA-S8
Intender Notes: An Entered Apprentice’s Responsibilities An Entered Apprentice must He must: keep inviolate the secrets Keep secret those things relating to the ceremony of initiation, entrusted to his care; compliance with every part of conduct himself with proper decorum, and his obligation; the make every effort to learn and apply the moral values and principles presented in observation of proper conduct the Entered Apprentice Degree in his daily life and decorum, both within and After receiving the Entered Apprentice Degree, you need to realize there are three without the Lodge, and a display of diligence in seeking qualities which every Mason should possess if he is to attain the full benefit and Masonic knowledge. enjoyment of Freemasonry. These are: Scholarship ------Humility ------Industry As an Entered Apprentice, you should approach the experience of Masonry with a sense of learning and scholarship. In this way, those who are appointed to teach you can be assured you want to learn what is required before you progress further. You must have a sense of humility. By being humble, you will not develop a belief that you know more than those who are assigned to teach you. Finally, you must also develop a spirit of industry, because Freemasonry desires men who want to be involved in the activities of their Craft. By being industrious, you will improve yourself in Masonry and continue your Masonic education through a systematic program of reading, discussions, and ongoing participation in our degree work. Intender Notes: The Rights of an Entered Apprentice Mason He has the right of instruction As an Entered Apprentice, you have the right to sit in a lodge when it is opened on by a competent Brother, and the Entered Apprentice Degree. You may visit another lodge opened on the Entered the right to ask for the Apprentice Degree with permission of its Master. You also have the right to be opportunity of demonstrating instructed and examined. If you are proficient and worthy, you have the right to ask his proficiency and advancing for advancement. However, an Entered Apprentice cannot vote or hold office. As to the Fellowcraft degree. He such, an Entered Apprentice has limited privileges and he is not required to pay dues. may not receive his other degrees elsewhere without the You may receive a Masonic burial, or attend a Masonic funeral, clothed as an Entered consent of his lodge. Apprentice Mason. While you may receive individual Masonic charity, you have yet to achieve the right to organized Masonic charity from your lodge or the Grand Lodge of Illinois. Intender Notes: The Due Guard and Sign of an Entered Apprentice It is indicative of the degree In preparation for your examination on the First Degree, your Intender will instruct in which a lodge is working you on the correct presentation of the Entered Apprentice Due Guard and Sign. The and is your pledge to conform Due Guard alludes to the position in which your hands were placed while taking your to the usages thereof. obligation. The sign alludes to the penalty of your obligation. It is primarily a reminder of your obligations, and is a silent pledge to continue to faithfully perform as a loyal member of our Craft. The Due Guard is also a sign of salutation used upon entering or leaving an open lodge.
EA - 19
Entered Apprentice
What’s Next? – The Fellowcraft Degree Intender Notes: Following successful completion of your First Degree examination, you will be The Fellowcraft Degree is scheduled to be passed to the Second Degree, called Fellowcraft. In the Fellowcraft symbolic of one of the great Degree you will learn some new Masonic Principles, and you will also refine some of goals which all men should the principles you have already learned. seek. That is self-development in the journey of life. In the Fellowcraft degree, the emphasis is on the zest for learning and the search for Truth. The degree symbolizes the value of knowledge and the cultivation of the mind. In this degree, you will take a symbolic journey and receive instructions similar to those once given to operative workmen.
EA - 20
Entered Apprentice
ENTERED APPRENTICE REVIEW QUESTIONS Please use whatever reference materials you can find to answer the following questions. It is hoped that these will guide you in your continued search for knowledge of the Craft. 1. When was the Regius Manuscript written? (EA S1)
Between 1380 and 1400 A.D. 2. When was the first Grand Lodge of England formed? (EA-S1)
1717 A.D. 3. What are the three degrees of our modern symbolic lodges? (EA-S2)
Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, & Master Mason 4. What is the title of the Grand Lodge guidelines that are set forth in a collection of codes and requirements? (EA-S2)
Book of Constitutions and By-Laws 5. When a lodge is open on the First Degree, it consists of which seven officers? (EA-S3)
Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Senior Deacon, & Junior Deacon 6. How is the philosophy of Freemasonry taught? (EA-S4)
The philosophy of Freemasonry is taught by symbols and allegory 7. Who are the Holy Saints John? (EA-S5)
Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist 8. What are the three great lights of Masonry? (EA-S5)
The Volume of Sacred Law (e.g., Holy Bible or Holy Book of your religion), Square, & Compasses 9. What are the three lesser lights of Masonry? (EA-S5)
Three burning tapers or lights arranged in a triangular form representing the sun, the moon, and the Worshipful Master of the lodge 10. Of what is the Rite of Destitution supposed to remind us? (EA-S6)
We must leave our passions and prejudices outside when we enter the lodge. It also emphasizes that a Mason is to provide relief or charity to poor, distressed worthy brother Master Masons, their widows and orphans. 11. What purpose(s) does the obligation serve? (EA-S6)
The candidate has solemnly bound himself to Freemasonry and takes on certain responsibilities 12. When should members and/or officers rise (stand) and sit in lodge? (EA-S7)
Sounding the gavel twice calls the officers to their feet and three times means that all brethren must stand. Sounding the gavel once seats everyone in the lodge who is standing. 13. What are three responsibilities of an Entered Apprentice Mason? (EA- 8)
Keep secret those things relating to the ceremony of initiation, conduct himself with proper decorum, and make every effort to learn and apply in his daily life the moral values and principles presented in the Entered Apprentice Degree. 14. What are two rights of an Entered Apprentice? (EA-S8)
An Entered Apprentice has the right to sit in lodge when opened on the First Degree (Entered Apprentice degree) and the right to be instructed and examined.
EA - 21
Entered Apprentice
Entered Apprentice - Open Lodge Short Form Examination The Candidate and Examiner enter the lodge in the manner as is taught for the First Degree catechism. They share the center of the West side of the Altar; face the East and give the Due Guard and Sign of an Entered Apprentice Mason. The Worshipful Master then has ritual. WM: Brother , are you ready for your examination? Candidate: I am. WM:. Brother , you will conduct the examination. (The Candidate and Examiner then face one another and the examination begins.) Examiner: Whence came you? Candidate: From a lodge of the Saints John of Jerusalem. Examiner: What came you here to do? Candidate: To learn to subdue my passions and improve myself in Masonry. Examiner: You are a Mason then I presume? Candidate: I am so taken and accepted among brothers and fellows. Examiner: What makes you a Mason? Candidate: My obligation. Examiner: Where were you first prepared to be made a Mason? Candidate: In my heart. Examiner: What are signs? Candidate: Right angles, horizontals and perpendiculars. Examiner: Give me a sign. (penal sign) Examiner: Has that an allusion? Candidate: It has, to the penalty of my obligation. Examiner: What is a token? Candidate: A certain friendly and brotherly grip whereby one Mason may know another in the dark as well as the light. Examiner: Give me a token, I hele. Candidate: I conceal. Examiner: What do you conceal? Candidate: All the secrets of Masons in Masonry to which this token alludes. Examiner: What is this? Candidate: A grip. Examiner: Of what? Candidate: Of an Entered Apprentice Mason. Examiner: Has it a name? Candidate: It has. Examiner: Will you give it me? Candidate: I did not so receive it neither will I so impart it. Examiner: How will you dispose of it? Candidate: I will letter and halve it with you. Examiner: Letter and begin. Candidate: No, you begin. Examiner: You must begin. Candidate: _* _; Examiner: _*__ Candidate: _** , Examiner: *__ Candidate: _* , Examiner: _**_ Candidate: _****___ Examiner: Place yourself in the Due Guard position of an Entered Apprentice. Examiner: To what does this allude? Candidate: The position in which my hands were placed while taking my obligation. Examiner: Give me the sign of an Entered Apprentice. Examiner: To what does this allude? Candidate: The penalty of my obligation.
(The Candidate and the Examiner will then face the East and the Master will sound the gavel and then have ritual to the candidate.) WM: Brother , you will give the Due Guard and Sign of an Entered Apprentice and retire.
EA - 22
Entered Apprentice
Entered Apprentice - Open Lodge Long Form Examination The Candidate and Examiner enter the lodge in the manner as is taught for the First Degree catechism. They share the center of the West side of the Altar; face the East and give the Due Guard and Sign of an Entered Apprentice Mason. The Worshipful Master then has ritual. WM: Brother , are you ready for your examination? Candidate: I am. WM:. Brother , you will conduct the examination. (The Candidate and Examiner then face one another and the examination begins.) Examiner: Whence came you? Candidate: From a lodge of the Saints John of Jerusalem. Examiner: What came you here to do? Candidate: To learn to subdue my passions and improve myself in Masonry. Examiner: You are a Mason then, I presume? Candidate: I am so taken and accepted among brothers and fellows. Examiner: What makes you a Mason? Candidate: My obligation. Examiner: How do you know yourself to be a Mason? Candidate: By having been often tried, never denied, and being ready to be tried again. Examiner: How shall I know you to be a Mason? Candidate: By certain signs, a token, a word, and the points of my entrance. Examiner: What are signs? Candidate: Right angles, horizontals, and perpendiculars. Examiner: Give me a sign. Examiner: Has that an allusion? Candidate: It has, to the penalty of my obligation. Examiner: What is a token? Candidate: A certain friendly and brotherly grip whereby one Mason may know another in the dark as well as the light. Examiner: Give me a token. I hele. Candidate: I conceal. Examiner: What do you conceal? Candidate: All the secrets of Masons in Masonry to which this token alludes. Examiner: What is this? Candidate: A grip. Examiner: Of What? Candidate: Of an Entered Apprentice Mason. Examiner: Has it a name? Candidate: It has. Examiner: Will you give it me? Candidate: I did not so receive it, neither will I so impart it. Examiner: How will you dispose of it? Candidate: I will letter and halve it with you. Examiner: Letter and begin. Candidate: No, you begin. Examiner: You must begin. _ QA ? ? ? ? ? Examiner: Where were you made a Mason? Candidate: In a regularly constituted lodge of Masons. Examiner: Where were you first prepared to be made a Mason? : Candidate: In my heart. Examiner: Where were you secondly prepared? Candidate: In a room adjacent to a regularly constituted lodge of Masons.
EA - 23
Entered Apprentice
Examiner: How were you prepared? Candidate: By being divested of all metals, neither naked nor clad, barefoot nor shod, hoodwinked, and with a cable tow once around my neck, in which condition I was conducted to the door of the lodge by a friend whom I afterwards found to be a brother. Examiner: Being hoodwinked, how did you know it to be a door? Candidate: By first meeting with resistance and afterwards gaining admission. Examiner: How gained you admission? Candidate: By three distinct knocks. Examiner: What was said to you from within? Candidate: Who comes here? Examiner: Your answer? Candidate: Mister John Paul Jones, who has long been in darkness and now seeks to be brought to light and to receive a part in the rights and benefits of this Worshipful Lodge, erected to God and dedicated to the Saints John, as all brothers and fellows have done before. Examiner: What were you then asked? Candidate: If it was of my own free will and accord, if I was worthy and well qualified, duly and truly prepared of lawful age and properly vouched for, all of which being answered in the affirmative, I was asked by what further rights and benefits I expected to gain admission. Examiner: Your answer? Candidate: By being a man, freeborn, of good report and well recommended. Examiner: How were you then disposed of? Candidate: I was directed to wait with patience until the Worshipful Master was informed of my request and his answer returned. Examiner: What answer did he return? Candidate: Let him enter in the name of the Lord and be received in due form. Examiner: How were you received? Candidate: On the point of a sharp instrument pressing my naked left breast, which was to teach me that as that was an instrument of torture to my flesh, so should the recollection of it be to my conscience should I ever presume to reveal any o f the secrets of Freemasonry unlawfully. Examiner: How were you then disposed of? Candidate: I was conducted to the center of the lodge, caused to kneel, and attend prayer. Examiner: After prayer, what were you asked? Candidate: In whom I put my trust. Examiner: Your answer? Candidate: In God. Examiner: What followed? Candidate: I was taken by the right hand and informed that my trust being in God, my faith was well founded, ordered to arise, follow my conductor, and fear no danger. Examiner: How were you then disposed of? Candidate: I was conducted once around the lodge to the Junior Warden in the South where the same questions were asked and like answers returned as at the door. Examiner: How did the Junior Warden dispose of you? Candidate: He directed me to the Senior Warden in the West and he to the Worshipful Master in the East, where the same questions were asked and like answers returned as before. Examiner: How did the Worshipful Master dispose of you? Candidate: He ordered me to be re-conducted to the Senior Warden in the West who taught me to approach the East by one upright regular step, my feet forming the angle of a square, my body erect at the Altar before the Worshipful Master. Examiner: What did the Worshipful Master then do with you? Candidate: He made me a Mason in due form.
EA - 24
Entered Apprentice
Examiner: What is that due form? Candidate: Kneeling on my naked left knee, my right forming a square, my left hand supporting the Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses, my right resting thereon, in which due form I took upon myself the solemn oath or obligation of an Entered Apprentice Mason, which is as follows: I, John Paul Jones, of my own free will and accord, in the presence of Almighty God and this Worshipful Lodge, erected to Him and dedicated to the Saints John, do hereby and hereon most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will always hele, ever conceal, and never reveal any of the secret arts, parts, or points of the hidden mysteries of ancient Freemasonry which have been heretofore, may at this time, or shall at any future period be communicated to me as such, to any person or persons whomsoever, except it be to a true and lawful brother of this degree or within a regularly constituted lodge of Masons, and neither unto him nor them until by strict trial, due examination or legal information I shal l have found him or them as lawfully entitled to the same as I am myself. I furthermore promise and swear that I will not write, print, paint, stamp, stain, cut, carve, mark nor engrave them nor cause the same to be done upon anything movable or immovable capable of receiving the least impression of a word, syllable, letter or character, whereby the same may become legible or intelligible to any person under the canopy of heaven. All this I most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear with a firm and steadfast resolution to keep and perform the same without any equivocation, mental reservation or secret evasion of mind whatever, bndng mslf und a no ls pnlt thn tht f hvg my thrt ct acrs, my tng trn ot bi its rots nd brd n t rf sns f t se at lo wrmk whr t tid ebs nd fls twc n twty fo hrs, should I ever knowingly violate this, my solemn obligation of an Entered Apprentice Mason, so help me, God, and keep me steadfast in the due performance of the same. Examiner: After taking the obligation, what were you asked? Candidate: What I most desired. Examiner: Your answer? Candidate: Light. Examiner: Did you receive light? Candidate: I did, by order of the Worshipful Master and the assistance of the brethren. Examiner: Upon being brought to light, what did you first discover? Candidate: The three great lights in Masonry by the assistance of the three lesser. Examiner: What are the three great lights in Masonry? Candidate: The Holy Bible, Square and Compasses. Examiner: What are their Masonic uses? Candidate: The Bible is given as the rule and guide of our faith, the Square to square our actions, and the Compasses to circumscribe and keep us within due bounds. Examiner: What are the three lesser lights? Candidate: Three burning tapers placed in a triangular form, representing the sun, moon, and Master of the lodge. Examiner: Why so? Candidate: As the sun rules the day and the moon governs the night, so should the Worshipful Master endeavor to rule and govern his lodge with equal regularity. Examiner: What did you next discover? Candidate: The Worshipful Master approaching me from the East under the Due Guard and Sign of an Entered Apprentice Mason, who in token of friendship and brotherly love, presented me his right hand and with it the grip and word of an Entered Apprentice, ordered me to arise and salute the Junior and Senior Wardens as such. Examiner: After saluting the wardens, what did you next discover? Candidate: The Worshipful Master approaching me from the East a second time, who presented me with a lambskin or white leather apron, which he informed me was an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason, ordered me to carry it to the Senior Warden in the West who taught me how to wear it as an Entered Apprentice. Examiner: How should an Entered Apprentice wear his apron? Candidate: With the bib turned up. Examiner: After being taught how to wear your apron, how were you then disposed of? Candidate: I was re-conducted to the Worshipful Master in the East, who informed me that according to an ancient custom adopted in every regular and well governed lodge, it became necessary that I be requested to deposit something of a metallic kind, not for its intrinsic worth, but that it might be laid up among the records in the archives of the lodge as a memorial that I was there made a Mason, but upon strict search I found myself entirely destitute. Examiner: With what were you then presented?
EA - 25
Entered Apprentice
Candidate: The working tools of an Entered Apprentice and taught their uses. Examiner: What are the working tools of an Entered Apprentice? Candidate: The twenty-four inch gauge and common gavel. Examiner: What are their Masonic uses? Candidate: The twenty-four inch gauge is an instrument made use of by operative masons to measure and lay out their work. But we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time. It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into three equal parts, whereby we find eight hours for the service of God and a distressed worthy brother, eight for our usual vocations, and eight for refreshment and sleep. The common gavel is an instrument made use of by operative masons to break off the rough and superfluous parts of stones, the better to fit them for the builder's use, but we, as free and accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences of the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting our minds, as living stones, for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Examiner: How were you then disposed of? Candidate: I was placed in the northeast corner of the lodge, my feet forming the angle of a square, my body erect at the right hand of the Worshipful Master in the East, who was pleased to say that I there stood as a just and upright Mason, and gave it me strictly in charge ever to walk and act as such. Examiner: How were you then disposed of? Candidate: I was re-conducted to the place whence I came, invested with what I had been divested of, and returned to the lodge for further instruction.
(The Candidate and the Examiner will then face the East and the Master will sound the gavel and then have ritual to the candidate.) WM: Brother , you will give the Due Guard and Sign of an Entered Apprentice and retire.
EA - 26
Fellowcraft
THE FELLOWCRAFT
THE SECOND STEP IN MASONRY My Brother, being advanced to the Second Degree of Freemasonry, I congratulate you on your preferment. Masonry is a progressive moral science, divided into different degrees; and as its principles and mystic ceremonies are regularly developed and illustrated, it is intended and hoped that they will make a deep and lasting impression upon the mind... From the Standard Work: Second Degree – Charge
YOUR OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this material, you will be able to:
Describe the early history of Freemasonry in the United States. Describe the historic events that led to the anti-Masonic movement in the United States. Identify some famous American Masons. Describe the offices and duties of our Grand Lodge of Illinois. Describe meaning of the Second Degree in Masonry. Identify the Masonic symbols associated with the Fellowcraft degree. Identify the Masonic ceremonies associated with the Fellowcraft degree. Describe the responsibilities and rights of the Fellowcraft Mason. Present the Due Guard and Sign of the Fellowcraft Mason in the correct manner. Complete the Fellowcraft examination.
MASONRY IN THE UNITED STATES FC-S1
After you were initiated as an Entered Apprentice, you were given an overview of the Intender Notes: In 1717 four London lodges roots and development of Masonry in Europe. Many of the institutions of that day did formed a so-called United pass into oblivion, but by becoming speculative, the Craft has grown to a point never Grand Lodge (of England) to envisioned by its founders. Much of this growth can be attributed to the formation of supervise, coordinate, and the Grand Lodge of England. Over the years, it became a practice that a local lodge charter new lodges. of Masons could be created only by an act, and under the authority of the Grand Lodge which had jurisdiction over the particular area. This practice took many years to formulate. Intender Notes: Masons Come to America The first record of Masons in the New World was in 1684, 64 years after the landing of the pilgrims at Plymouth Rock and 33 years before the Grand Lodge of England was formed. Three Masons from a lodge in Aberdeen, Scotland arrived in New Jersey during that year. Two of the men returned to Scotland, but the third, John Skein, remained and is believed to be the first Mason to become a permanent resident of America.
FC-1
Fellowcraft
Intender Notes: The First American Born Mason Governor Belcher also The first native born American to become a member of our Craft is believed to be founded the college now Jonathan Belcher, who was born in either Massachusetts or New Jersey. He went to known as Princeton England, and there became a Mason in 1704. Jonathan Belcher was colonial University. governor of Massachusetts and New Hampshire from 1730-1741, and governor of New Jersey from 1746 until his death in 1757. Intender Notes: The First Lodges in America It is certainly clear that While it is reasonable to assume Masonry was formally established in America prior Masonry and Masonic lodges to 1730, records are fragmentary at best. By 1776, the records of the Grand Lodge of were well established prior to England show that it had authorized the formation of 36 local lodges in America. 1731, but written evidence is fragmentary. The first written records of a Masonic lodge in America are those of St. John's Lodge in Philadelphia, and date back to 1731. Benjamin Franklin was made a Mason in February 1731, most probably by St. John's Lodge. Following the establishment of the Grand Lodge of England, an English merchant- Intender Notes: Although Masonry tailor and active Mason named Henry Price immigrated to Boston. Finding other traditionally emphasized Masons there, he decided to return to England to secure an official “warrant” for a conservatism and fidelity to Grand Lodge in North America. He sailed in the winter of 1732 and returned the next one's ruler, the new Boston summer with the necessary documents. On July 30th, he gathered together the Lodge soon became a hotbed required number of Masons and organized what would later be called “The Mother of revolutionary activism in Lodge of America.” Boston. Members met at the Green Dragon Tavern, and In 1733, a ceremony took place in The Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston. Acting some historians believe that under written authority from the Grand Lodge of England, the first American the Boston Tea Party was Masonic Lodge was founded by Henry Price, who was described as Provincial Grand planned there. Master of New England. The Boston lodge grew quickly, and many other lodges in New England were chartered. But as membership was generally limited to well-to-do gentlemen, workingmen felt excluded. As a result, in 1752 men who called themselves “Masons according to the Old Customs” formed their own Boston lodge. They secured their charter from the Grand Lodge in Scotland. Intender Notes: Early Expansion of Masonry in America During that early period, other European Masons without dispensation from European Grand Lodges met in America, formed lodges and initiated candidates. Military lodges, formed by Masons who were members of a nation's armed forces, account for important expansions in the dissemination and growth of the Fraternity in America. Intender Notes: The First Book of Constitutions in America Ben Franklin was a Master Mason in Philadelphia when he published the first Masonic publication in the New World, the Book of Constitutions in 1734. Intender Notes: Masons and the Founding of the United States The reported number of Masons played an important part in the formation of the United States, and especially signers of the Declaration of in the Revolutionary War and the events that led up to this war. It is commonly Independence and the US believed the lodge rooms of a Boston Masonic Lodge served as the dressing room for Constitution varies widely the so-called Indians who threw the Boston Tea Party. Paul Revere, who went on to among published sources. be Grand Master of Massachusetts (1794-97), was thought to be one of those Indians. It is interesting to note that if Brother Alexander Hamilton Of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, the number eight is usually had prevailed, the Congress accepted as the absolute minimum number of Masons who signed the document. would be electing the Although some evidence exists to show another 24 were Masons, it is not regularly President of the United
FC-2
Fellowcraft accepted that they were Masons. A total of 13 of the 39 who signed the Constitution States. This practice would were clearly members of Masonic lodges. Of the other 26, absolute proof has not have been very similar to the been found. way lodges attend the Annual Grand Lodge Communication When the Grand Lodge of England was established in 1717 with the purpose to and elect our Most govern all lodges, local Masonic lodges created a system whereby they sent Worshipful Grand Master, representatives to meet and direct the affairs of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge each year. then elected its own Grand Master. A similar experiment to create a permanent government in the United States began in 1788. It would be a representative government, in which states send their representatives to a Congress and the designated electors would select a president. Authorities and references report that General George Washington's staff looked like a Masonic convention. The list of American Masons in Washington's service included many of his Generals. Other revolutionary heroes who were Masons included John Hancock, Patrick Henry, Nathan Hale and John Paul Jones, just to name a few. The record shows that by 1800 there were 347 Masonic lodges in the United States.
FC-3
Fellowcraft
DARK DAYS FOR U.S. MASONRY FC-S2
Intender Notes: The Morgan Affair A good source of information In 1825, a Mason by the name of William Morgan became a member of Royal Arch about the Morgan Affair is Masonry (the York Rite) in Western Star Chapter at Le Roy, New York, a few miles the book entitled The Bright east of Batavia. Later in 1826, he was denied membership in a new Royal Arch Mason written by Robert Chapter in Batavia, New York. His Masonic credentials were questioned along with Berry. his intent for membership. He was not very popular among his Masonic brethren because he had threatened to publish the so-called Masonic secrets. Although there is no proof of who actually did it, the printing plant owned by Morgan and his partner, David C. Miller, was destroyed by fire. Morgan was later arrested for a two dollar debt and jailed. One evening a few men called on him, assisted with his release from jail, and took him away. Morgan was never heard of again. Individuals used this incident, along with other concerns, to form the “Anti-Masonic Party.” Intender Notes: The Anti-Masonic Party Remember, Masonry is not a By 1830 conditions looked grim for the Masonic Fraternity. There was much anti- religion and promotes no Masonic talk by anti-Masonic politicians in the newspapers. This may have been particular religious dogma. partially caused by the fact that Masons held many key positions in state and federal William Wirt, among other government, and the anti-Masons argued that Masonry's secrecy, exclusivity, and things, was a biographer. power all made it incompatible with a republican society based on equal rights. One of his most famous During the first half of the 19th century, there was also a strong religious revival in the biographies was that of United States and Masonry became a convenient target for some. In those days, some Patrick Henry, a Mason. considered Masonry to be a rival of the church. Others considered it to be a separate As a side note, it is reported church, and still others thought it to be an atheistic society. that both Wirt and his The feeling against Masonry in the early 1830s was so strong that a political party running mate, Amos was formed, the first third party in America. This political party was called the Anti- Ellmaker, were Freemasons prior to being nominated by Masonic Party. In 1832, Andrew Jackson (a Mason) ran for a second term as their party. President against Henry Clay (also a Mason). William Wirt was also in the race, the only man ever to run for President on the Anti-Masonic ticket. Wirt had been Attorney General under John Quincy Adams. Wirt got only seven electoral votes, winning the state of Vermont. Brother Jackson won the election. During the time period from 1830 to the 1850s, Masonic membership declined and was quite unpopular in the Northern states. However, the Fraternity began to rebuild its membership after the 1850s. Intender Notes: Mormons at Nauvoo, Illinois It is interesting to compare There was considerable social ferment in the nation prior to the Civil War. Joseph the symbols of the Mormon Smith, founder of the Mormon faith, was a Mason as was Brigham Young. Church with those of the The early opposition to Mormonism seems to have been triggered largely by fears of Masonic order. One such economic competition and a dislike of the Mormon bloc voting. By the early 1840s, example is the importance of the beehive to both groups. however, the hostility was intensified by Smith's apparent assumption of monarchical powers and by the rumors, officially denied but subsequently confirmed, that Mormons were beginning to practice polygamy. In 1844, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were put in prison in Carthage, Illinois, on charges of treason and conspiracy. Then, despite the Illinois governor's promises of safety, the two brothers were assassinated by a mob. During the previous two and a half years, many members of the Mormon faith had become Freemasons and formed lodges in Illinois. These lodges were declared clandestine in 1844 and all their members were suspended. Since that time, some Mormons have not looked kindly upon the Masonic order.
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Fellowcraft
FAMOUS AMERICAN MASONS FC-S3
The history of Masonry and the history of this country are very clearly interwoven, Intender Notes: although there is no way in this presentation to go into any great detail. The following The list of famous Masons is is a brief list of well-known Masons. quite vast; the candidate is encouraged to continue to study this topic on his own. Intender Notes: Masonic Presidents Remember, Masonry regards Masonic Presidents include George Washington, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, people not for their external James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, James A. Garfield, William trappings – not for whom they McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Warren G. Harding, Franklin are, but for their internal D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Gerald Ford. Evidence exists to suggest that qualities – for what they are. James Madison and Thomas Jefferson might also have been Masons, but this has not As an example of this been officially confirmed by the historical record. disregard for rank, at one time the Master of President It wasn’t only the successful presidential candidates who were Masons, but some of Teddy Roosevelt’s lodge was those who lost their elections as well. Men like Thomas E. Dewey, Alf Landon, the President’s own personal Hubert H. Humphrey, George McGovern, Barry Goldwater, Estes Kefauver, Earl gardener. Warren, John Sparkman, Wendell Wilke, Robert Dole, and Adlai Stevenson (not the governor of Illinois, but his father, the Vice President in 1892). Intender Notes: Other Famous Masons Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, John Jacob Astor, Samuel Colt, Stephen Austin, Sam Houston and Davy Crockett were Masons. So were Mark Twain, John Philip Sousa, General “Blackjack” Pershing, General Douglas MacArthur, Charles A. Lindbergh, John Hancock, Kit Carson, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, General Winfield Scott, Captain Eddie Rickenbacher, and Jimmy Doolittle. Other well known Masons include Clark Gable, Red Skelton, John Wayne, Burl Ives, Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. and Jr., Roy Rogers, Harold Lloyd (he was also Imperial Potentate of the Shrine), Jack Dempsey, Will Rogers, George Gershwin, George M. Cohan, Arnold Palmer, Norm Crosby, Gene Autry, Ernest Borgnine, Danny Thomas, W.C. Fields, and the astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Virgil Grissom, John Glenn, Gordon Cooper, and Wally Schirra. Others raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason include W. Clement Stone, Norman Vincent Peale, J. C. Penney, Buffalo Bill Cody, General Curtis LeMay, Henry Ford and labor leaders John L. Lewis and Samuel Gompers, to name just a few.
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Fellowcraft
OUR GRAND LODGE FC-S4
The Grand Lodge is the governing body of Freemasonry in the state. It consists of the Intender Notes: elected Grand Lodge officers and the Master and Wardens of each local lodge. Our You should note that, the current Grand Lodge of Illinois was formed at a convention in Jacksonville, Illinois on officers, local and state, serve April 6, 1840. It was chartered by an act of the Illinois General Assembly in 1847, as volunteers. With the amended in 1855 and 1908. The correct corporate name of our Grand Lodge is: The Most exception of the Grand Master, Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois. Grand Secretary and Deputy Grand Secretary, Grand Our Illinois Grand Lodge office is located in Springfield. Regular office hours are Treasurer, and a full-time maintained. At our Grand Lodge office, you will find the Grand Secretary, Deputy Grand office staff, these volunteers Secretary, and a staff of helpful individuals, who will assist you and answer your often serve without pay. questions. Our Grand Lodge office You should contact either your local lodge or our Grand Lodge in the event of a serious address is: tragedy or the death of a brother Mason. Masons desire and are bound by their teachings 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, to offer and give assistance, including memorial services in cooperation with those IL 62703 provided by religious bodies. If you have any question about our Grand Lodge or the Phone: 217-529-8900 Craft in general, simply ask and the answer will be provided. The website is: www.ilmason.org Intender Notes: The Officers in our Grand Lodge When Grand Lodge officers At the state level, our Craft functions much the same as it does at the local level. There is travel from event to event, they a corps of officers elected and appointed. In addition to managing the business affairs of receive a small mileage the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master and his line of officers will travel throughout our allowance and reimbursement state and perform various ceremonies and rituals steeped in Masonic tradition. As such, for room and board. They give the Grand Line Officers serve the Grand Master and perform duties similar to those vacation time and weekends assigned to each local lodge officer. There are also five Area Deputy Grand Masters and and, in many cases, their assistants, and approximately 70 District Deputy Grand Masters in the state. In uncompensated work time to addition to the Grand Lodge officers listed below, there are numerous committees and the Craft in order that the work of our great Fraternity will boards that serve the members of our fraternity throughout the state. enjoy success. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary are elected for one year by the More details about the duties of membership at our Annual Communication. The remaining Grand Lodge Officers are our Grand Lodge officers, appointed by the Grand Master to serve during his term. Before they are installed, each committees, and boards, are officer must take an oath of office. Within our state jurisdiction, the Most Worshipful available in the current Book of Grand Master has some powers that are considered absolute. Constitutions & By-Laws. The following are the primary elected and appointed officers of our Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois: Intender Notes: Grand Master His official title when The Grand Master functions much like the president of a company, in that the ultimate introduced or referred to is responsibility for our Grand Lodge's functioning, public image and general wellbeing “Most Worshipful Grand Master” rests with him. Either he alone, or with the assistance of various committees, makes those decisions that regulate the current and future operations of Masonry in Illinois. He should be familiar with the charges, landmarks, ceremonies, and by-laws of Freemasonry and insist on strict adherence to them. He should be well versed in the practices, language, philosophy and literature of the Craft. He has significant powers including, among others: to exercise the executive functions of the Grand Lodge when not in session; to decide all questions of usage, order, and Masonic law; to convene any lodge within the jurisdiction, and in person or by deputy to preside therein, inspect their proceedings, and require their conformity to Masonic rules; to suspend the function of any lodge for good reasons; in
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Fellowcraft person or by proxy appointed in writing to constitute lodges, dedicate Masonic halls, and lay cornerstones of Masonic halls, public buildings and structures; to see that the Ancient Landmarks and Charges are observed, and to do and perform the duties of Ancient Grand Master agreeably to the requirements of Masonry and this Grand Lodge. Intender Notes: Deputy Grand Master The Deputy Grand Master is like the vice president of a company or nation. If the Grand Master should become incapacitated, the Deputy Grand Master moves into his station with all of the rights and responsibilities of that office, until the term of the Grand Master expires or the Grand Master returns to duty. Along with the Grand Master and Grand Treasurer, he is an ex-officio member of the Investment Committee. This committee is vested with the duty, power, and authority of investing Grand Lodge funds of every kind and nature. Intender Notes: Senior and Junior Grand Wardens In the absence of the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden is to govern our Grand Lodge. In their presence, however, he serves to strengthen and support his superiors. In the absence of his superior officers, the Junior Grand Warden is to govern the Craft, and in their presence, he serves to strengthen and support his superiors. Intender Notes: Grand Treasurer The Grand Treasurer, when installed, is the chief financial officer of our Grand Lodge. The jewel of his office is the crossed keys. The keys have a twofold significance; they are instruments to make fast as well as to open the assets of our fraternity. Under the constitution and laws, rules, and regulations of our Grand Lodge, he directs and protects the financial health of our fraternity. Along with the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, he is an ex-officio member of the Investment Committee. Intender Notes: Grand Secretary The duties of the Grand The duties of the Grand Secretary are more varied than those of any other officer of our Secretary are enumerated in Grand Lodge. He is the chief Administrative Officer of the Grand Lodge, and the chief Code 123 of the Constitution record keeper of our fraternity. His duties are extensive and varied, requiring dedicated and By-Laws of the Grand and conscientious devotion to his duties and responsibilities. His position requires Lodge. constant communication with his Masonic brethren throughout our state and the world. All other officers are appointed for one-year terms. Intender Notes: Deputy Grand Secretary The duties of the Deputy Grand Secretary are similar to the Grand Secretary. Among other general duties assigned, he will fill in for the Grand Secretary when the occasion arises. Intender Notes: Senior and Junior Grand Deacons The Senior and Junior Grand Deacons' appointments are available to resident members of the craft who aspire to serve our Grand Lodge as Elected Grand Lodge Officers. The Junior Grand Deacon is chosen from among those who, having submitted letters of interest and resume, are interviewed and selected by the Elected Grand Lodge Officers for appointment. The Deacons participate in the monthly Advancing and Elected Grand Lodge Officers Meetings; they are assigned various tasks and responsibilities to prove their worthiness, and advanced upon satisfactory performance. When having completed satisfactory service, it is understood the Senior Grand Deacon will stand for election for Junior Grand Warden. Intender Notes: Grand Stewards, Grand Pursuivant, Grand Marshal, Grand Standard Bearer, Grand Sword Bearer, Grand Tyler, and other Grand Officers These are general assignment positions, serving as the Grand Master directs. They serve
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Fellowcraft on many Grand Lodge committees, as do all of the officers, and participate in various occasional Grand Lodge Meetings, performing ceremonial duties and responsibilities to support the Grand Master, and promoting the interest and welfare of the Craft. Intender Notes: Corporations under our Grand Lodge Jurisdiction Additional information about Our Grand Lodge of Illinois also operates five individual corporations which are the efforts of these Masonic chartered under authority from the State of Illinois. Each of these corporations operates entities can be found on our with a president, vice-president, and board of directors as a management and oversight Grand Lodge website at: team. The five corporations are: www.ilmason.org
The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A. M. of the State of Illinois – With the Grand Master serving as president, the board of directors of the Grand Lodge (six Elected Grand Lodge Officers) is responsible for all of the operations and management of our fraternity’s business throughout the year. Illinois Masonic Outreach Services Program (formerly the Illinois Masonic Home) – Our Outreach Services was established to address the unique needs of our aging members, wives and widows. We are taking the lead with this innovative program that bridges the gap between community resources and our worthy distressed Brother Master Masons, and their wives or widows, assisting with their needs in order to promote physical, social, financial and personal enrichment that enhances the quality of their life. Illinois Masonic Children's Assistance Program (IMCAP) – For over 120 years the Illinois Masonic Children's Homes (IMCH) offered long-term residential care for children between the ages of 4 through their high school years. We provided a safe and nurturing environment for children who were unable to care for themselves due to various family or home conditions. In 2017 we amended this program and instituted the Illinois Masonic Children's Assistance Program (IMCAP) to replace our residency program and provide assistance for children in need over a wide variety of settings. Illinois Masonic Charities Fund (formerly the Illinois Masonic Homes Endowment Fund) – Freemasonry in Illinois has a long-standing tradition of serving our communities with various acts of charity. Our primary focus is to advance the welfare of others, particularly children and the elderly. Our Illinois Masonic Charities is charged with the task of fund raising for the various charitable works of Illinois Freemasons at our Grand Lodge level, and also oversees the fundraising efforts of the Society of King Solomon. Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program (formerly the Illinois Masonic Foundation for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among Children) Through the Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program we provide a school- based early intervention approach for schools to help students who are having difficulty being successful in school. We work with school delegates to train an intervention team to help identify students with difficulties, and guide them to both school and community resources for support.
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Fellowcraft
MEANING OF THE SECOND DEGREE FC-S5
In operative masonry, those just beginning to learn their craft were apprenticed to a Intender Notes: master stonemason. They received no wages except for their food, clothing, and sleeping quarters. If they showed some skill, they were “entered upon the record,” or made entered apprentices, usually after about three years. After seven more years they were made fellows of the craft, which meant they could work on their own. In speculative Masonry, when a speculative Mason learns and passes the catechism pertaining to the Entered Apprentice degree, he has shown the requisite proficiency of that degree and can demonstrate his ability to be passed to the degree of Fellowcraft. While simply learning the catechism shows proficiency in learning what happened during the degree ceremony, it is also important to understand what the symbolism and meaning of the ritual is. It is this understanding that emphasizes how Freemasonry has an impact on the brother’s life. Intender Notes: Basic Teachings of the Second Degree William Preston (1742-1818), As the Entered Apprentice Degree, with its moral instruction, is symbolic of youth, to whom we are indebted for the Fellowcraft Degree is symbolic of manhood, with its increased duties and a generous portion of our obligations. During these years, he acquires knowledge and applies this knowledge to modern Masonic Ritual, the building of his character and to improving the society in which he lives. In the evidently intended the ritual of the degree, a Fellowcraft is urged to advance his education in the liberal arts Fellowcraft degree to be the and sciences. beginning of a liberal education; and, indeed, in his This degree teaches that it is not only important to improve our minds at the practical day it was. level, but also at the spiritual level. With the acquisition of the knowledge of how to A learned Past Grand Master accomplish something, we must also understand the importance of our actions. of Iowa has written: “The Practical knowledge is only the beginning of our growth. Understanding how to Fellowcraft degree properly apply our acquired knowledge leads to a successful culmination of the symbolized that period of life growth process. when a man prepares for life's work and strives to erect his spiritual Temple agreeably to the designs drawn on the Trestleboard. As a Fellowcraft, you receive more light in Masonry; you are invested with the working tools so necessary for the tasks of manhood; you are encouraged to continue in the acquisition of knowledge, in the cultivation of the mind, and in the search for Truth.”
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Fellowcraft
SYMBOLS AND EMBLEMS OF THE SECOND DEGREE FC-S6
The themes of the Fellowcraft Degree are education and achievement, emphasizing Intender Notes: the dignity and worth of the individual. The more a man learns through the pursuit of H. L. Haywood points out that knowledge, the more he achieves. an Entered Apprentice learns how to use his tools and the This degree symbolizes man in his prime, ready to accept the responsibility of life, purpose of the Fellowcraft’s not only for himself, but for his family, and all of society. When a Mason assumes the education is to learn the reasons duties and privileges of a Fellowcraft, he is taught that he is responsible for his own for the application of this destiny. knowledge. The Intender, as a teacher, has the responsibility for the further education of the Fellowcraft. It is one thing to learn the ritual but the Fellowcraft’s education is to learn why we do what we do. Intender Notes: Emblems of a Fellowcraft The emblems of a Fellowcraft include the working tools of the Fellowcraft, the pillars, the winding stairs, the liberal arts and sciences, the wages of the Fellowcraft, the jewels of the Fellowcraft, and the Letter G. The Fellowcraft should become very familiar with them, for they epitomize the lessons of this degree. Intender Notes: Working Tools Just as a building stone needs The working tools of the Fellowcraft are the plumb, the square, and the level. the guidance of a square to reach its perfect shape, so do The Plumb is a symbol of uprightness of conduct. In Freemasonry, it is associated our minds and consciences with the plumb line. According to the Bible, it symbolizes the Supreme Being’s need the guidance of a standard of divine righteousness whereby people will be judged by their own sense of teacher to reach their perfect right and wrong, and not by the standards of others. When the plumb line is thought shape. of in this way, it becomes a symbol of an upright life and of the conscience by which The plumb line is symbolic of each person should live. a just and upright person. The square is symbolic of our The Square is the symbol of morality, truthfulness and honesty. The direction of the two responsibility to take the right sides of the square form an angle of 90 degrees or a right angle, so-called because this is action and direction in our the angle which stones must have if they are to be used to build a stable and upright wall. dealings with other When we part upon the square, we go in different directions, but in full knowledge that individuals. our courses in life will be going according to the angle of the square (which means in the The Level reminds us that right direction) until we meet again. The square teaches rectitude of life. there is no distinction between brethren in the The Level is a symbol of equality. We do not mean equality in wealth, social lodge. There is equality, with distinction, civic office, or service to mankind, but rather we refer to the internal and no person being elevated over not the external qualifications. Each person is endowed with a worth and dignity that another because of financial, are spiritual ,and should not be subject to man-made distinctions. The equality racial, religious, or practiced in Masonry recognizes that one man may have greater potential in life, educational differences. service, or reward than another, but we also believe that any man can aspire to any heights, no matter how great. Thus, the Level dignifies labor and the man who performs it. It also acknowledges that all men are equal without regard to station. Intender Notes: Pillars The pillars were constructed There were two pillars placed before the entrance to King Solomon's Temple. They of “sun metal” (copper) and a are symbolically represented within every lodge of Fellowcrafts. These pillars bear “moon metal” (zinc or tin). the names Boaz and Jachin. As the pillars represent the entrance to Solomon’s This symbolizes an extension Temple, passing through the pillars represents man’s entrance into life. of the ritual in the Entered Apprentice Degree where it is The two pillars are thought to be symbolic of the tree of life, where Boaz represents learned that the sun, the
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Fellowcraft strength, Jachin represents wisdom or establishment, and the Fellowcraft standing moon, and the Master of the between them represents a third pillar, that of harmony. lodge represent harmony and balance. Intender Notes: Globes on the Pillars The two globes symbolize These are the celestial globe and terrestrial globe placed at the top of the two pillars, man’s relationship between and are symbols of universality. The shape of the globes lets us know that this is a the earth below and the modern addition to Masonic ritual, since our forebears thought the earth was flat and heavens above. the heavens were a sphere revolving around it.
Intender Notes: Winding Staircase This represents the progress of an inquiring mind toiling and laboring toward intellectual cultivation and study. This is the road to knowledge. The winding stairs by their very shape are also symbols of courage and faith, since as the stairs curve, the end is not immediately in sight. Intender Notes: Symbolism of Numbers The symbolism of numbers is first presented to the new Mason in the Winding Stairs lecture. The total number of steps is fifteen, which is symbolic because ancient builders would often build temples with an odd number of steps. If a worshiper began his ascent with his right foot, he found the same foot forward when entering the Temple. Entering on the right foot was thought to be a good omen. The first three steps allude to the three degrees that every Master Mason's lodge confers, and also to the three principal officers of the lodge. The second group of five steps relates to the five senses, and teaches us the use of order in architecture. It is this order that must be applied to the structure of our own spiritual temple. The final seven steps symbolize the liberal arts and sciences, the crowning glory of man, the development of both mind and spirit, and the acquisition of courage and faith. Intender Notes: Liberal Arts and Sciences The seven liberal arts and sciences are grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. As a Fellowcraft, you are encouraged to expand your study and understanding of these seven areas of knowledge. Intender Notes: Wages of a Fellowcraft Mason The meaning of the word Corn, Wine and Oil are symbolic wages that are earned by the Fellowcraft who corn, as it is used in the completes his task and comes to the Middle Chamber. They symbolize the wealth of Fellowcraft degree, should be life in a mental and spiritual sense, not the financial realms. clarified. In the United States, and particularly in the Middle Corn represents nourishment and the sustenance of life. It is also a symbol of plenty, West, the word generally is and refers to the opportunity for doing good, to work for the community, and to used when referring to perform service to mankind. In most parts of the world, the word “corn” is used in its “Indian Maize,” the “corn” collective sense and refers to all small grain. This is its meaning when used in any of which grows so abundantly in our Masonic ceremonies, and grain collectively is usually represented by wheat, our fields. Most candidates although any small grain such as barley, oats, maize, etc., may properly be used. therefore are confused when they hear reference to a Wine is symbolic of refreshment, health, spirituality and peace. “sheaf of corn” and then see Oil represents joy, gladness and happiness. it represented by a sheaf of wheat. Taken together, Corn, Wine, and Oil represent the reward of living a good life. They are also the elements of consecration used in Masonic cornerstone laying and in the constitution, dedication, and consecration of a new lodge.
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Fellowcraft
Intender Notes: Jewels The jewels of a Fellowcraft are not made of precious stones and metals. Rather they are attributes of character that all Masons hopefully will have. The attentive ear, the instructive tongue and the faithful breast remind the craftsman that the time-honored method of instruction is by word of mouth. The secrets of Freemasonry are always deposited in the heart of a faithful brother. These jewels should signify the necessity to learn and practice good Masonic instruction, and develop a devotion to the teachings of our Craft. Intender Notes: The Letter G The letter “G” is the symbol of Geometry, and also of the sacred name of Deity. By In this country the letter “G” the letter G, we are reminded that our every act is done in the sight of the Supreme usually is combined with the Being, and that Divine Providence presides over all of our lives. For the operative Square and Compasses in Masonic lapel emblems, craftsmen, geometry provided an understanding of the order and harmony of the rings, etc. The combination is universe. By applying his knowledge of geometry, the craftsman developed the a symbol of Symbolic principles of design and construction. (Speculative) Masonry. The symbolism of this important Masonic emblem has been the subject of innumerable papers, books, and articles, many of which have attempted to evolve esoteric meanings which are both complicated and sometimes fanciful. In his Introduction to Freemasonry, Brother Carl H. Claudy says: “God is always geometrizing. Geometry is particularly His science. Freemasonry makes it especially the science of the Fellowcraft Degree, and couples it with the symbol of the Great Architect of the Universe. No teaching of Freemasonry is greater; none is simpler than this. The Fellowcraft who sees it as the very crux and climax of the degree, the reality behind the form, has learned as no words may teach him for what he climbed the Winding Stairs, and the true wages of a Fellowcraft which he found within the Middle Chamber.”
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Fellowcraft
CEREMONIES OF THE SECOND DEGREE FC-S7
Intender Notes: Preparation In all of the Masonic degrees, The changes in dress from an Entered Apprentice Mason to a Fellowcraft Mason the candidate must first have been explained in the ceremony. Gaining admission is similar to the First prepare his heart to receive Degree, with the addition of a pass, which is given for you by your conductor. the mysteries of our Craft. Intender Notes: Reception The symbolism of the square You were received into the lodge on the angle of the square. The square should be a has entered the general rule and guide in all your future transactions with mankind. public’s understanding. While the square is an integral symbol of our craft, its use by the general public has become quite common, such as to hear someone described as a “square shooter” meaning he is honest and upright in his dealings with his fellow man. Intender Notes: Cable-Tow In earlier days a cable-tow was This is a symbol of control for the individual. To many, the cable-tow is symbolic of as long as an hour's journey. the umbilical cord, which is necessary to begin life, but is severed when love and care This is roughly, three miles. replace it and the individual begins to grow on his own. Thus, in our ceremonies, the However, the Baltimore cable-tow is removed when the need for physical control is no longer needed. Masonic convention of 1843 declared that the symbolical Regarding the length of his cable-tow, a Mason is bound to his brethren by a tie length of a cable-tow is “the which is as long and as strong as his conscience dictates, and he must determine for scope of a Brother's reasonable himself what constitutes his reasonable ability. ability”; and this is the generally accepted meaning The length of the cable-tow is frequently referred to in the language of Freemasonry, today. but many of the new brethren do not understand its meaning. Formerly, a cable-tow was deemed to be the distance one could travel in an hour, which was assumed to be The symbolism of the cable-tow is personal and unique to each about three miles. Today, this is any reasonable distance from which a summons may Mason as are the bonds of our be answered, health and business permitting. Each Mason is bound to all other Fraternity. Our goal is to Masons by a tie as long and as strong as he himself determines his ability will permit. improve and expand these meanings as you progress in Masonry. Intender Notes: Cable-Tow on the Right Side In the Entered Apprentice Degree, you learned that the left side is the weaker part of man; in the Fellowcraft Degree the emphasis is now placed on the right side. This is because the right side in most people is considered stronger, and the Fellowcraft is a more advanced degree and therefore “stronger” than the Entered Apprentice. Intender Notes: Obligation The meaning and symbolism The obligation is the heart of every degree, and its solemnity must be impressed upon of the obligation is very every candidate. In addition to the vow of secrecy in the First Degree, the obligation personal and unique to each has other important points that bind each brother to the Craft. The obligation or Mason. By continually pledge, for each degree, is the essence of our Fraternity. reviewing our obligation(s) and as we mature as a Each Mason pledges obedience, assistance, and the protection of one another to all Masons, the significance of others, binding them by a tie that should last their Masonic lifetimes. The penalties these will change and enlarge. have the same significance as those invoked in the First Degree, and are symbolic rather than physical.
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Fellowcraft
Intender Notes: Pass Review the pass, token of the When a lodge is opened on the Fellowcraft Degree, the Junior Deacon and Senior pass, grip and word of the Deacon are ordered by the Senior Warden to collect the pass from the brethren. This Fellowcraft with your portion of the opening of the lodge is unlike the opening of the First Degree, where candidate. there is no collection of a pass. Following the completion of your Fellowcraft obligation, the Second Degree pass (word) was given to you at the Altar. You will need to remember this password in order to enter and participate in a lodge of Fellowcrafts. Intender Notes: Admission to the Middle Chamber The passage from the outer porch to the Middle Chamber represents man's journey from ignorance to enlightenment. His wages as a Fellowcraft are received in the Middle Chamber. These wages are a symbol of the knowledge that can be gained by a closer relationship with his Creator. The candidate must also find the doors to the knowledge. Both the outer and inner entrances. To enter one of these, he needs a pass. To go through the other, he must have a word. Help is given to him in each instance, but the assistance is limited. This signifies that while he is often dependent upon others for some help, man must acquire knowledge chiefly through his own efforts. Intender Notes: Middle Chamber In modern Freemasonry, the Middle Chamber is the symbolic place of reward. It may be advantageous to Historically, this is thought of as the place where the Fellowcrafts met to receive promote a discussion with wages for their labors at the Temple of Solomon. your candidate on the Iowa narrative. The following description of the symbolism of the Middle Chamber comes from the Grand Lodge of Iowa: “The journey to the Middle Chamber is based upon a legend connected with the building of King Solomon's Temple. Like most Masonic teaching it is symbolic; and if you would profit by its lessons and apply them to the building and beautifying of your own Spiritual Temple, you must really work as a Speculative Mason... It is said that at the building of the Temple, Fellowcrafts met in the Middle Chamber on the evening of the sixth day of every week to receive their wages. None but worthy craftsmen were admitted, and these were invested with certain mysterious signs, tokens, and words, by means of which they were able to pass the guards... The journey (to the Middle Chamber) is an allegory, a symbol of the journey of life and the reward for faithful living... “In our journey from the quarries to the Middle Chamber, we are now within the precincts of the Temple, and before us is the beautiful arched gateway which leads to the inner court. Passing through this gateway, we come to the porch and the entrance of the Temple, where you observe two brazen pillars, one on the right hand, the other on the left, called Jachin and Boaz.. . . We have considered the names Boaz and Jachin as meaning strength and establishment. An equally good translation of the word Boaz is power, and of the word Jachin, wisdom or control... “Masonry conducts you between these pillars and earnestly recommends them to your attention. We hope that you may draw from them inspiration for your journey to the Middle Chamber of life. You need the things they typify; power - physical, mental, and moral strength to stand for the right, strength on occasion to say “No”; control - that your power may not be wasted but bring only good to
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Fellowcraft
yourself and to your fellows; wisdom - to make the right decisions in the issues of life from day to day... If with strength comes wisdom, if with power comes control, you may confidently hope to reach your Middle Chamber and receive wages... There is nothing in the Biblical description of the Pillars ... to indicate that they were surmounted by Globes; but Masons of modern times have added them, delineating on one the divisions of the earth and on the other the heavenly bodies... Hence the Globes denote the universality of Masonry and teach us so to regulate our lives that when we pass from earth, the terrestrial, it may be to that other and better world, the celestial... In our symbolic journey we have reached a flight of winding stairs (consisting of three, five, and seven steps). In a symbolic sense you are now preparing for your life work, and the stairs represent the means by which you are to climb from the depths of your earthly nature to the heights of a moral and spiritual life... A winding stairway is one to try a man's soul ... You can see only to the next turning, perhaps only one step in advance. You will need to keep the Pillars constantly in mind as symbols of your faith, for you cannot see the Middle Chamber; you must depend upon your faith, that there is a Middle Chamber. Once started, there can be no return; and as the Worshipful Master informed you, it will be necessary that you make the regular advance; none other will serve. It is only by your own honest effort that you can climb the stairs. And then, no matter how hard you try, you may never reach the Middle Chamber of your boyhood dreams. The stairway is long, and the Angel of Death may be just out of sight around the corner... “The Pillars we may consider as symbols of our faith in God, and the Three Steps teach that we are dependent on Him and that our first care should be to harmonize our will with His and build our Temple agreeably to the Divine plan... By the five steps you are taught to use Order in the architecture of your Temple and to improve yourself by a rational development of all your natural powers... The seven steps symbolized that the crowning glory of a man is the development of mind and spirit. Your destiny as an immortal being requires you to ascend step by step until you reach the summit where the treasures of Truth await you... Unless you have acquired the secret signs, tokens, and words of the faithful Craftsman by putting into daily practice the moral and spiritual teachings found in the Great Light of Masonry, you cannot pass the inner door to the place of wages.” Intender Notes: King Solomon's Temple Refer to the Holy Bible: “The Freemasonry did not originate in this Temple of Jerusalem, but our rituals are First Book of Kings” (I Kings), enriched by reference to this magnificent structure. For a full description of the beginning with Chapter 5 and Temple, you should read the accounts found in I Kings, Chapters 5 to 8, and the “The First Book of record of another writer found in I Chronicles, beginning in the second chapter. Chronicles” (I Chronicles), beginning with Chapter 2. Bear in mind that the Masonic ritualistic mention of the Temple is symbolic - and sometimes legendary. Therefore, details of construction and development, as Inform your candidate that he will learn more about presented by Masonic Ritual, frequently differ from the Biblical account. Masonry's legendary Temple of Solomon in the Master Mason degree.
FC-15
Fellowcraft
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FELLOWCRAFT FC-S8
Intender Notes: Rights of a Fellowcraft Mason A Fellowcraft has no more A Fellowcraft has the right to sit in his lodge when it is opened on the Fellowcraft rights than an Entered Degree. You may visit another lodge opened on the Fellowcraft Degree with Apprentice, except the permission of that lodge’s Master. You also have the right to be instructed and privilege of attending his own examined. If you are proficient and worthy, you have earned the right to lodge which is working in the advancement. Fellowcraft degree. Intender Notes: Responsibilities of a Fellowcraft Mason To the responsibilities of an The responsibilities of the Fellowcraft are primarily found within his sworn Entered Apprentice have now obligation. You should review these, as well as the obligation of the Entered been added those contained Apprentice Degree, on a regular basis and commit yourself to them. Finally, you are in the obligation of a reminded that you are to acquire knowledge and apply that knowledge to your duties Fellowcraft. The extent to in life. As a Fellowcraft Mason, you are charged with taking your useful place in which these responsibilities society with satisfaction and honor. have been expanded will be clarified by a careful review of the obligations of both degrees.
Intender Notes: Being Involved Regarding the IMCAP, if you Countless opportunities exist through active participation and membership in any of know of any child you believe the many Masonic-related men’s, women's, or youth organizations, and other needs our help; contact our Masonic bodies. As a Fellowcraft, you are encouraged to share in the social activities, Grand Secretary for direction dinners, dances, tours, civic events, and charitable efforts of your lodge as on how to proceed with appropriate. Many family activities are often scheduled. Also, your non-Masonic assistance. friends and family may also take part in many Masonic sponsored programs. Illinois Masons support numerous charities at the state and local level. Some examples at the state level include our Illinois Masonic Charities and these worthy programs: Illinois Masonic Children's Assistance Program (IMCAP) Illinois Masonic Outreach Services (Assistance for our aging members, wives and widows) Illinois Masonic Foundation Student Assistance Program Examples of Masonic charities functioning at the local level are: - Local Student Scholarships - Blood Donor Programs - Illinois Academic Bowl Support - Coins for Children Program In addition, our Grand Lodge of Illinois supports numerous programs for Masons, Masonic lodges, communities, and youth. A complete list of Illinois Masonic charity programs may be obtained from our Grand Secretary's Office or from our current Grand Lodge Program booklet.
FC-16
Fellowcraft
FELLOWCRAFT REVIEW QUESTIONS Please use whatever reference materials you can find to answer the following questions. It is hoped that these will guide you in your continued search for knowledge of the Craft. 1. Who published the first Book of Constitutions in America? (FC-S1)
Ben Franklin in 1734 2. In what year was the Anti-Masonic Party formed? (FC-S2)
1830 3. Name three Presidents of the United States that were Freemasons. (FC-S3)
George Washington, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Gerald Ford 4. In what years was the current Grand Lodge of Illinois formed and chartered? (FC-S4)
Formed in 1840 & chartered 1847 5. In what city is our Grand Lodge of Illinois office located? (FC-S4)
Springfield, IL 6. What is the Fellowcraft Degree symbolic of? (FC-S5)
The Fellowcraft degree is symbolic of manhood with its increased duties and obligations. 7. In what fields of human society should the Fellowcraft attempt to advance his education? (FC-S5)
History, science, and liberal arts 8. What are the working tools of the Fellowcraft? (FC-S6)
The square, level, and plumb 9. What are the jewels of the Fellowcraft? (FC-S6)
The attentive ear, the instructive tongue and the faithful breast 10. What are the wages of the Fellowcraft? (FC-S6)
Corn, Wine and Oil 11. What were the names of the two pillars placed before the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple? (FC-S6)
Boaz and Jachin 12. What is the Middle Chamber symbolic of in modern Freemasonry? (FC-S7)
A place of reward 13. What are the rights of a Fellowcraft Mason? (FC-S8)
The right to sit in his lodge when it is opened on the Fellowcraft Degree and the right to be instructed and examined 14. What are the responsibilities of a Fellowcraft Mason? (FC-S8)
The acquisition of knowledge and the fruitful application thereof
FC-17
Fellowcraft
Fellowcraft – Open Lodge Short Form Examination The Candidate and Examiner enter the lodge in the same manner as taught for the First Degree catechism. They share the center of the West side of the Altar; face the East and give the Due Guard and Sign of a Fellowcraft Mason. The worshipful Master then has ritual. WM: Brother , are you ready for your examination? Candidate: I am. WM. Brother , you will conduct the examination. (The Candidate and Examiner then face one another and the examination begins.) Examiner: Are you a Fellowcraft? Candidate: I am, try me. Examiner: How will you be tried? Candidate: By the square. Examiner: Why by the square? Candidate: Because it is an emblem of morality and one of the working tools of a Fellowcraft. Examiner: What is a square? Candidate: An angle of ninety degrees or the fourth part of a circle. Examiner: What makes you a Fellowcraft? Candidate: My obligation. Examiner: How should a Fellowcraft wear his apron? Candidate: With the bib turned down and the left corner turned up in the form of a triangle. Examiner: What are the wages of a Fellowcraft? Candidate: Corn, wine and oil, emblematical of the corn of nourishment, the wine of refreshment and oil of joy. Examiner: What do these denote? Candidate: Plenty, health and peace. Examiner: What are the jewels of a Fellowcraft? Candidate: The attentive ear, the instructive tongue, and the faithful breast. (The Examiner takes the Candidate by the grip of an Entered Apprentice.) Examiner: Will you be off or from? Candidate: From. Examiner: From what to what? Candidate: From the grip of an Entered Apprentice to the pass grip of a Fellowcraft. Examiner: Pass. What is this? Candidate: The pass grip of a Fellowcraft. Examiner: Has it a name? Candidate: It has. Examiner: Will you give it me? Candidate: I did not so receive it neither will I so impart it. Examiner: How will you dispose of it? Candidate: I will syllable it with you. Examiner: Syllable and begin. Candidate: No, you begin. Examiner: You must begin. Candidate: B- ; Examiner:S--- Candidate: L--- ; Examiner:S---B- Candidate: S---B-L--- . Examiner: Will you be off or from? Candidate: From. Examiner: From what to what? Candidate: From the pass grip of a Fellowcraft to the real grip of the same. Examiner: Pass. What is this? Candidate: The real grip of a Fellowcraft. Examiner: Has it a name? Candidate: It has. Examiner: Will you give it me? Candidate: I did not so receive it neither will I so impart it. Examiner: How will you dispose of it? Candidate: I will letter it with you. Examiner: Letter and begin. Candidate: No, you begin. Examiner: You must begin. Candidate: ; Examiner: Candidate: ; Examiner: Candidate: ; Examiner:. Candidate: J- ; Examiner: C--- Candidate: J-C--- . Examiner: Place yourself in the Due Guard position of a Fellowcraft. Examiner: To what does this allude? Candidate: The position in which my hands were placed while taking my obligation. Examiner: Give me the sign of a Fellowcraft. Examiner: To what does this allude? Candidate: The penalty of my obligation. (The Candidate and the Examiner will then face the East and the Master will sound the gavel and then have ritual to the candidate.) WM: Brother , you will give the Due Guard and Sign of a Fellowcraft and retire.
FC-18
Fellowcraft
Fellowcraft - Open Lodge Long Form Examination The Candidate and Examiner enter the lodge in the same manner as is taught for the First Degree catechism. They share the center of the West side of the Altar, face East and give the Due Guard and Sign of a Fellowcraft Mason. The Worshipful Master then has ritual. WM: Brother , are you ready for your examination? Candidate: I am. WM:. Brother , you will conduct the examination. (The Candidate and Examiner then face one another and the examination begins.) Examiner: Will you be off or from? Candidate: From. Examiner: From what to what? Candidate: From the degree of Entered Apprentice to that of Fellowcraft. Examiner: Are you a Fellowcraft? Candidate: I am. Try me. Examiner: How will you be tried? Candidate: By the square. Examiner: Why by the square? Candidate: Because it is an emblem of morality and one of the working tools of a Fellowcraft. Examiner: What is a square? Candidate: An angle of ninety degrees or the fourth part of a circle. Examiner: What makes you a Fellowcraft? Candidate: My obligation. Examiner: Where were you made a Fellowcraft? Candidate: In a regularly constituted lodge of Fellowcrafts. Examiner: How were you prepared? Candidate: By being divested of all metals, neither naked nor clad, barefoot nor shod, hoodwinked, and with a cable tow twice around my naked right arm, in which condition I was conducted to the door of the lodge by a brother. Examiner: Why had you a cable tow twice around your naked right arm? Candidate: To signify that as a Fellowcraft I was under a double tie to the fraternity. Examiner: How gained you admission? Candidate: By three distinct knocks. Examiner: What was said to you from within? Candidate: Who comes here? Examiner: Your answer? Candidate: Brother John Paul Jones, who has been regularly initiated as an Entered Apprentice, and now seeks more light in Masonry by being passed to the degree of Fellowcraft. Examiner: What were you then asked? Candidate: If it was of my own free will and accord. If I was worthy and well qualified, duly and truly prepared, and had made suitable proficiency in the preceding degree, all of which being answered in the affirmative, I was asked by what further right or benefit I expected to gain admission. Examiner: Your answer? Candidate: By the benefit of the pass. Examiner: Did you give the pass? Candidate: I did not, but my conductor gave it for me. Examiner: How were you then disposed of? Candidate: I was directed to wait with patience until the Worshipful Master was informed of my request and his answer returned. Examiner: What answer did he return? Candidate: Let him enter in the name of the Lord and be received in due form. Examiner: How were you received? Candidate: On the angle of a square applied to my naked right breast, which was to teach me that the square of virtue should be the rule and guide of my conduct in all my future transactions with mankind. Examiner: How were you then disposed of? Candidate: I was conducted twice around the lodge to the Junior Warden in the South, where the same questions were asked and like answers returned as at the door. Examiner: How did the Junior Warden dispose of you? Candidate: He directed me to the Senior Warden in the West, and he to the Worshipful Master in the East, where the same questions were asked and like answers returned as before.
FC-19
Fellowcraft
Examiner: How did the Worshipful Master dispose of you? Candidate: He ordered me to be re-conducted to the Senior Warden in the West who taught me to approach the East by two upright, regular steps, my feet forming the angle of a square, my body erect, at the Altar before the Worshipful Master. Examiner: What did the Worshipful Master then do with you? Candidate: He made me a Fellowcraft Mason in due form. Examiner: What is that due form? Candidate: Kneeling on my naked right knee, my left forming a square, my right hand resting on the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, my left arm forming a right angle supported by a square, in which due form I took upon myself the solemn oath or obligation of a Fellowcraft Mason, which is as follows: I, John Paul Jones, of my own free will and accord, in the presence of almighty God and this Worshipful Lodge, erected to him and dedicated to the Saints John, do hereby and hereon most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will always hele, ever conceal, and never reveal any of the secret arts, parts, or points of the Fellowcrafts Degree to any person or persons whomsoever, except it be to a true and lawful brother of this degree, or within a regularly constituted lodge of Fellowcrafts, and neither unto him nor them until by strict trial, due examination, or legal information, I shall have found him or them as lawfully entitled to the same as I am myself. I furthermore promise and swear that I will conform to and abide by all the laws, rules, and regulations of the Fellowcrafts Degree so far as the same shall come to my knowledge. Furthermore, that I will answer and obey all due signs and summonses sent to me from a lodge of Fellowcrafts or given to me by a brother of this degree, if within the length of my cable tow. Furthermore, that I will aid and assist all worthy distressed brother Fellowcrafts, I knowing them to be such, so far as my ability will permit without material injury to myself. Furthermore, that I will not cheat, wrong, nor defraud a lodge of Fellowcrafts, nor a brother of this degree, nor supplant him in any of his laudable undertakings. All this I most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear with a firm and steadfast resolution to keep and perform the same without any equivocation, mental reservation, or secret evasion of mind whatever, Binding myself under a no less penalty that that of ..., should I ever knowingly violate this, my solemn obligation of a Fellowcraft Mason, so help me, God, and keep me steadfast in the due performance of the same. Examiner: After taking the obligation, what were you asked? Candidate: What I most desired. Examiner: Your answer? Candidate: More light in Masonry. Examiner: Did you receive more light? Candidate: I did, by order of the Worshipful Master and the assistance of the brethren. Examiner: Upon being brought to light, what did you discover more than before. Candidate: One point of the Compasses elevated above the Square which was to teach me that I had as yet received light in Masonry but partially. Examiner: What did you next discover? Candidate: The Worshipful Master, approaching me from the East under the Due Guard and sign of a Fellowcraft Mason, who, in token of the continuance of friendship and brotherly love, presented me his right hand and with it the pass, token of the pass, grip, and word of a Fellowcraft, ordered me to arise and salute the Junior and Senior Wardens as such. Examiner: After saluting the Wardens, what did you next discover? Candidate: The Worshipful Master, who ordered me to be re-conducted to the Senior Warden in the West who taught me how to wear my apron as a Fellowcraft. Examiner: How should a Fellowcraft wear his apron? Candidate: With the bib turned down and the left corner turned up in the form of a triangle. Examiner: After being taught how to wear your apron, how were you then disposed of? Candidate: I was re-conducted to the Worshipful Master in the East who presented me with the working tools of a Fellowcraft and taught me their uses. Examiner: What are the working tools of a Fellowcraft? Candidate: The plumb, square, and level. Examiner: What are their Masonic uses? Candidate: The plumb is an instrument made use of by operative masons to try perpendiculars; the square, to square their work; and the level, to prove horizontals; but we as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of them for more noble and glorious purposes. The plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations before God and man, squaring our actions by the square of virtue, ever remembering that we are traveling upon the level of time, to “that undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveler returns.”
FC-20
Fellowcraft
Examiner: How were you then disposed of? Candidate: I was re-conducted to the place whence I came, invested with what I had been divested of, and on my return to the lodge made a regular advance through a porch by a flight of winding stairs consisting of three, five, and seven steps, to a place representing the Middle Chamber of King Solomon's Temple, where I received instruction relative to the wages and jewels of a Fellowcraft. Examiner: What are the wages of a Fellowcraft? Candidate: Corn, wine and oil, emblematical of the corn of nourishment, the wine of refreshment, and the oil of joy. Examiner: What do these denote? Candidate: Plenty, health and peace. Examiner: What are the jewels of a Fellowcraft? Candidate: The attentive ear, the instructive tongue, and the faithful breast. Examiner: Will you be off or from? Candidate: From. Examiner: From what to what? Candidate: From the grip of an Entered Apprentice to the pass grip of a Fellowcraft. Examiner: Pass. What is this? Candidate: The pass grip of a Fellowcraft. Examiner: Has it a name? Candidate: It has. Examiner: Will you give it me? Candidate: I did not so receive it, neither will I so impart it. Examiner: How will you dispose of it? Candidate: I will syllable it with you. Examiner: Syllable and begin. Candidate: No, you begin. Examiner: You must begin. Candidate and Examiner complete the word. Examiner: Will you be off or from? Candidate: From. Examiner: From what to what? Candidate: From the pass grip of a Fellowcraft to the real grip of the same. Examiner: Pass. What is this? Candidate: The real grip of a Fellowcraft. Examiner: Has it a name? Candidate: It has. Examiner: Will you give it me? Candidate: - I did not so receive it, neither will I so impart it. Examiner: How will you dispose of it? Candidate: I will letter it with you. Examiner: Letter and begin. Candidate: No, you begin. Examiner: You must begin. Candidate and Examiner complete the word.
(The Candidate and the Examiner will then face the East and the Master will sound the gavel and then have ritual to the candidate.) WM: Brother , you will give the Due Guard and Sign of an Entered Apprentice and retire.
FC-21
Fellowcraft
FC-22
Master Mason
THE MASTER MASON
THE THIRD STEP IN MASONRY My Brother; Your zeal for our Institution, the progress you have made in our mysteries, and your steady conformity to our useful regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object for this peculiar mark of our favor. Duty and honor now alike bind you to be faithful to every trust; to support the dignity of your character on all occasions; and strenuously to enforce, by precept and example, a steady obedience to the tenets of Freemasonry. Exemplary conduct on your part will convince the world that merit is the just title to our privileges, and that on you our favors have not been undeservedly bestowed... From the Standard Work: Third Degree – Charge
YOUR OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this material, you will be able to:
Describe the early history of Freemasonry in Illinois. Describe Masonic Law and Jurisprudence and its application in Illinois. Describe the meaning of the Third Degree in Masonry. Identify the Masonic symbols associated with the Master Mason degree. Identify the Masonic ceremonies associated with the Master Mason degree. Describe the responsibilities and rights of the Master Mason. Describe the meaning of being able to travel as a Master Mason. Present the Due Guard and Sign of the Master Mason in the correct manner. Complete the Master Mason’s proficiency examination.
MASONRY IN ILLINOIS MM-S1
Intender Notes: Forming the Grand Lodge of Illinois To better understand the The first Grand Lodge of Illinois was formed on December 9, 1822, just four years powers and the authority of after Illinois entered the Union. This Grand Lodge existed from 1822 until 1829. The our Grand Lodge of Illinois first Grand Master of this Grand Lodge was Shadrach Bond, who was also the first each individual Mason Governor of the State of Illinois. should become familiar with the Book of Constitution and The original Grand Lodge of Illinois disbanded in part because of the strong anti- By-Laws of the Most Masonic movement that existed after the famous “Morgan Affair.” Ultimately our Worshipful Grand Lodge of current Grand Lodge of Illinois was formed on April 6, 1840 and elected Abraham A.F. & A.M. of the State of Jonas as Most Worshipful Grand Master at a convention held in Jacksonville, Illinois. Illinois. It was chartered by act of the State of Illinois Congress in 1847. A Grand Lodge is the highest source of Masonic authority in Ancient Craft Masonry within its jurisdiction. Its powers and duties include: (1) Granting dispensations and charters to organize lodges, (2) Holding jurisdiction over all Masons within the State in which it operates, (3) Passing judgment on appeals from the decision of any lodge, (4) Assigning jurisdictional lines between lodges, (5) Rendering final decision on controversies or grievances brought by appeal or otherwise, (6) Enacting laws and
MM-1
Master Mason regulations, which are the supreme Masonic law of the State, (7) Assessing and collecting dues for the support of its activities, (8) Supervising the state and condition of its own finances, (9) Reprimanding, suspending or expelling any member from its own body for cause, (10) Reviewing the reports of its officers and lodges at each annual meeting, and (11) Conducting whatever activities may contribute to the well- being of the Fraternity in the State. Our Grand Lodge consists of the lodges within its jurisdiction, represented by the three principal officers of each lodge, the present elected Grand Lodge Officers, and the Past Grand Masters. Certain powers of our Grand Lodge are inherent and exist without question. The complete code of the statutes and regulations of Masonry in Illinois are contained in the Book of Constitution and By-Laws of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of the State of Illinois. Intender Notes: The First Lodges There were five lodges in attendance at that first convention in Jacksonville. They were: Bodley Lodge No. 1 (Quincy-holding a charter from the Grand Lodge of Kentucky) Equality Lodge No. 2 (Equality-holding a charter from the Grand Lodge of Kentucky) Harmony Lodge No. 3 (Jacksonville-holding a charter from the Grand Lodge of Missouri) Far West Lodge No. 5 (Galena-holding a charter from the Grand Lodge of Missouri) Columbus Lodge No. 6 (Columbus-holding a charter from the Grand Lodge of Missouri) A sixth lodge, Springfield Lodge No. 4 (holding a charter from the Grand Lodge of Missouri) was in existence but did not attend the convention. It did however receive a valid charter from the first Grand Lodge of Illinois. Intender Notes: Powers of the Most Worshipful Grand Master Grand Honors may be The Grand Master has the power to: (1) Convene the Grand Lodge in special meeting described as a Masonic salute, in case of emergency, (2) Preside at all special and stated meetings, (3) Exercise the given to distinguished Brethren executive functions of the Grand Lodge when not in session, (4) Decide all interim in authority or on specified questions of usage, order, and Masonic law, (5) Require the attendance of, and ceremonial occasions. information from, any of the Grand Lodge officers concerning their respective offices Grand Honors in Illinois are and duties, (6) Convene any lodge within the jurisdiction, and in person, or by given by striking the palm of deputy, to preside therein, inspect their proceedings, and require their conformity to the left hand three times with Masonic laws and rules, (7) Issue his dispensation to any lodge, or in person, to make the palm of the right; then a Mason or confer any degree at will, subject only to the restraints of the ancient striking the palm of the right charges and the landmarks of Masonry, (8) Suspend the functions of any lodge for hand three times with the palm good reasons, (9) Command every Grand Officer and to call on any of them for of the left; then striking the advice and assistance on matters and things relative to the Craft, (10) In person or by palm of the left hand again proxy appointed in writing, constitute lodges, dedicate Masonic buildings and lay three times with the palm of the right. cornerstones of Masonic buildings, public buildings, and structures, (11) Appoint representatives, by warrant, in any other recognized Grand Lodge, and receive and In Illinois those entitled to Grand Honors are: The Most accredit such representatives from other Grand Lodges, (12) See that the Ancient Worshipful Grand Master, all Landmarks and Charges are observed. All acts and decisions of the Grand Master are Past Grand Masters, and such subject to review by Grand Lodge at the following Grand Lodge Communication. other Brethren as the Grand Master may designate.
MM-2
Master Mason
Intender Notes: The Grand Lodge Office Our Grand Lodge office The Illinois Grand Lodge has its offices in Springfield and can be reached by phone address is: during business hours at (217) 529-8900. The Grand Secretary and Deputy Grand 2866 Via Verde, Secretary maintain this permanent office with a staff of five to six people. If you have Springfield, IL 62703 any questions pertaining to Masonry, these individuals are quite willing to help you. Phone: 217-529-8900 You should also visit our Grand Lodge website at: www.ilmason.org The website is: www.ilmason.org Intender Notes: Famous Masons from Illinois Interestingly, there was one Vice President from Illinois who was a Mason - Adlai E. Stevenson. There have also been more than 18 Governors of Illinois who have been Masons, including two who were Grand Masters: Shadrach Bond and Louis L. Emmerson. Other individuals of note from Illinois who have served Masonry include: Insurance executive W. Clement Stone, U.S. Senator Stephen Douglas, U.S. Senator Everett Dirksen, author Edgar Guest, attorney and Masonic scholar Louis L. Williams, and Masonic scholar Alphonse Cerza. Intender Notes: Prince Hall Masonry in Illinois and the U.S. Prince Hall lodges are not The history of African-American Freemasonry in the United States started in 1775, in clandestine. Unfortunately, Boston, when Prince Hall and fourteen other African-Americans were made Masons many of the so-called in Military Lodge No. 441, which held a charter from the Grand Lodge of Ireland. “bogus” or “clandestine” bodies that are not affiliated In 1784, Prince Hall applied to the Grand Lodge of England for a charter and it was with the Grand Lodge of granted. The charter arrived in Boston in 1787, and African Lodge No. 459 was Illinois or the Prince Hall constituted. The African Grand Lodge of North America was formed in 1791, and a Grand Lodge of Illinois have brother by the name of Prince Hall was elected as its first Grand Master. This Grand caused a great deal of Lodge proceeded to issue charters to African-American lodges throughout the trouble among the Masons in country. After the death of Prince Hall, the name of this Grand Lodge was changed Illinois, insofar as Masonic (in 1808) to Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. goodwill is concerned. In 1867 the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Illinois was established in Springfield, Illinois. Since its formation it continues to function and is recognized by the Grand Lodge of Illinois for visitation. The members of lodges which have charters from the Prince Hall Grand Lodges call themselves Prince Hall Masons, in order to indicate that they are the historically “regular” African-American Masons. They also distinguish themselves from the many opportunist rival organizations that have sprung up with Masonic names and symbols, but are actually clandestine in nature. The Prince Hall Masons called these other organizations “bogus” Masonic bodies. The Prince Hall Masons are justly proud of the fact that they can trace their Masonic ancestry to a legitimate source, and they do an exemplary job of living up to the traditions of the Ancient Craft. Intender Notes: Clandestine Lodge and Clandestine Mason Neither a clandestine lodge nor A clandestine lodge is one that has not been issued a charter from a recognized Grand a member thereof is considered Lodge. A person who belongs to one of these lodges is a clandestine Mason. to be a Masonic lodge or a Mason by Grand Lodges or constituent lodges of legitimate origin. In other words, they are not descended from the Grand Lodge of 1717.
MM-3
Master Mason
MASONIC LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE MM-S2
Intender Notes: Masonic Law or Masonic Jurisprudence The two most referred to Every lodge is governed by the Grand Lodge under whose jurisdiction it is chartered, sources on Masonic Law and and must adhere to the regulations of that Grand Lodge. The regulations of our Grand Masonic Jurisprudence in Lodge of Illinois are discussed at the annual Grand Lodge Communication (held the Illinois are: first Friday after the first Tuesday in October), and amendments or alterations are 1. The Book of Constitution made if passed by the required vote. and By-laws of the Grand Questions involving Masonic law should be referred to your lodge’s Worshipful Lodge of Illinois. Master; however, interpretations of Masonic law are issued only by the Grand 2. Mackey's Jurisprudence Master, often through the Area Deputy Grand Masters and District Deputy Grand of Freemasonry, by Masters. You should become familiar with Masonic law or jurisprudence so that you Albert G Mackey, understand how you and your lodge are governed under Masonic rules. Copyright 1927, Macoy Publishing, Richmond, Each Grand Lodge is sovereign within its own state boundaries; for example, VA. Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kentucky, or Indiana cannot have chartered lodges within Illinois unless permission is granted by our Grand Lodge of Illinois. Also, historic legislation was passed in 1997 which recognizes the lodges under the jurisdiction of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Illinois. This legislation allows Prince Hall lodges and our lodges to coexist legally within the boundaries of our state.
The first basic law of Freemasonry began with the “Old Charges”, in a manuscript form. Later, the famous Constitutions of Freemasonry, compiled by the Rev. James Anderson in 1722 and published in 1723, commonly known as Anderson's Constitutions, guided the formation and development of Masonry in the United States. These, along with the Ancient Landmarks, constitute the historical background of authority for the Book of Constitution and By-laws of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, which is the present fundamental law of Ancient Craft Masonry in The discussions of subjects our State. such as political or religious matters are to be avoided Conduct in Lodge while lodge is in session. A Brother who desires to speak should arise, address the Worshipful Master and await recognition. He should observe due order and decorum and should not discuss subjects which might disturb the harmony of the lodge. Also, there should be no chatting among members while the lodge is at work. Any proper motion may be presented to the lodge by a Master Mason and member of that lodge at a Stated Meeting. If the proposition involves an amendment to the By- Laws of the lodge, it should be submitted in writing and signed by the individual presenting that motion. Admission of “women” in Masonry One of the unquestioned Landmarks of Freemasonry is that a candidate for initiation must be a man. This, of course, prohibits the initiation of women. Speculative Masonry is also the application of operative masonry to moral and intellectual purposes. Since only hale and hearty men were employed by the Craft in the construction of the ancient edifices, so modern lodges have the indispensable requirement that the candidate for Freemasonry must be a man, capable of performing such work as the Master shall assign.
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Master Mason
Intender Notes: The Ancient Landmarks of Masonry Be prepared to discuss the For centuries, Masonic thinkers have sought to define the most fundamental and Illinois list of 20 Ancient inviolable beliefs and practices of Freemasonry, especially those speculated to have Landmarks. come down from the time of operative masonry. These have been termed the Ancient Landmarks. Even today Masonic authorities are not in agreement on the number of The five Mackey landmarks not landmarks, or which beliefs and practices should or should not be included. included in the Illinois list are: 1. The right of every Freemason The eminent Masonic scholar, Albert G. Mackey, listed 25 Landmarks in his book to be represented in all general Jurisprudence of Freemasonry. From these 25, some authorities and jurisdictions meetings. (In Illinois, these have listed more, some less, and some have not adopted any official list at all. Our meetings are now called the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of the State of Illinois recognizes twenty of the Ancient Annual Communication) Landmarks. They are: 2. The belief in a resurrection to a future life. A. The modes of recognition. 3. The secrecy of the institution. B. The division of symbolic Masonry into three (3) degrees. 4. The foundation of a C. The legend of the third degree. speculative science upon an D. The government of the Fraternity by a Grand Master. operative art. E. The prerogative of the Grand Master to preside over every assembly of the 5. The Landmarks can never be Craft. changed. F. The prerogative of the Grand Master to grant dispensation for conferring of You should also encourage a degrees at irregular intervals. review and discussion of the G. The prerogative of the Grand Master to give dispensation for opening and “Declaration of Principles” holding lodges. and the “Ancient Charges” as H. The prerogative of the Grand Master to make Masons at sight. published in the first pages of I. The necessity of Masons to congregate in lodges. The Book of Constitution and J. The government of the Craft when congregated in a lodge by a Master and By-laws of the Grand Lodge two (2) Wardens. of Illinois K. The necessity of that every lodge, when congregated, shall be duly tyled. L. The right of every Mason to appeal from his Brethren, in lodge convened, to the Grand Master. M. The right of every Mason to visit and sit in every regular lodge. N. That no visitor, unknown to the Brethren present or some one of them as a Mason, can enter a lodge without first passing an examination according to ancient usage. O. No lodge can interfere with the business of another lodge. P. Every Freemason is amenable to the laws and regulations of the Masonic jurisdiction in which he resides. Q. A candidate must be a man and of mature age. R. A belief in the existence of a Supreme Being as Grand Architect of the Universe. S. A "Book of the Religious Law" constitutes an indispensable part of the furniture of the lodge. T. The equality of all Masons.
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Master Mason
MEANING OF THE THIRD DEGREE MM-S3
The Third Degree is called the “Sublime Degree” not only for the solemnity of the Intender Notes: ceremonies, but also for the profound lesson of wisdom it teaches. You are reminded The Master Mason degree that as a new Master Mason, you have yet to fully master your Craft. You have just exemplifies, through the now begun a lifetime of study to understand the full importance of the principles and familiar methods of allegory philosophy of this noble and gentle Craft. and symbolism, Freemasonry's answer to one In this degree you were involved with the third aspect of man, his soul. The emphasis of the most profound of all further focuses on death and immortality. Freemasonry recognizes that the end of mortal queries into the divine man’s earthly existence is death. No sooner are we born than we begin to die. But we nature of the universe. are different from all other living creatures in that we know what our end will be. Further emphasis is also Freemasonry teaches that man has a soul and his soul is immortal. This soul given to the recurrent theme represents the God or Deity (which Masons call the Grand Architect of the Universe of Brotherly Love, Relief, and or GAOTU) and that spirit is within us. Truth. As a Master Mason you will now become a voting The Supreme Being has determined that he shall enter the world only by and through member of the Fraternity. As man; each and every man, you and me. Further, this soul is imprisoned in and subject to such, the Master Mason has the passions of the body. If we do not subdue our passions and allow the soul to do its added privileges and work then the will of the Grand Architect is not able to enter into this world and His responsibilities. work, our work, will remain undone. It would be impossible to over-emphasize the This is the great story that is the subject of the second section of the Third Degree. importance, the dignity, and The play that you took part in is a mind play. It all occurs within your mind and you the sublime teachings of the are all the parts, all the actors in that play. The three ruffians represent your passions, Master Mason Degree. It is your base desires, and the demands of the body, reaching out for those things that will the magnificent climax of all give you satisfaction and sensual pleasure. The first ruffian demands the secrets of a that has proceeded. Master Mason so he can work in foreign countries and receive Master's wages. He In its legend of the Craft “the sadly mistakes Master's wages for material wealth. It would seem, in attempting to Sublime Degree” departs get these wages the ruffians kill the soul. The plans drawn on the trestleboard, these utterly from the familiar. plans for a moral good life in accordance with the Masonic philosophy are no more. Instead of being concerned Greed and lawlessness prevail. The soul can no longer do its work, God's work. As a with moral principles and result the building of the Temple, the Temple in your heart ceases and there is no exhortations, as is the First place on earth for the GAOTU to dwell, no Sanctum Sanctorum, no Holy of Holies. Degree, or with architecture and learning, as is the But we are mistaken, the soul cannot be killed; it is always able to rise again. How Second, it answers the cry of does it rise again? By the Master's Word and by the strong grip of a Master Mason. In Job, “If a man die, shall he other words, by a return to the principles and philosophy of Freemasonry. Once more live again?” by subduing the passions and allowing the soul to do its work, the GAOTU is back in Note: the Temple which you built. The Grand Architect once more enters the world, and his For more information about mysterious work of creation can carry on. why it is called the “Sublime Regarding the Master's Word, you may have thought it strange that the Master's Degree”, you should refer to Word has been lost. “How could it be lost”, you ask? We are told it can only be given Frequently Asked Questions in the presence of three: Hiram Abif; Hiram, King of Tyre, and King Solomon. Why about Freemasonry, available through our Grand Secretary’s is it lost since two still live? Wouldn’t they still know the word? The answer is in Office, Grand Lodge of A.F. & understanding what is meant by “The Word.” The Word is not a word, a word such as A.M. of Illinois, Springfield, appears in print. It is more in the nature of The Word as described in John 1:1. Illinois. The Word is a total idea. The Word is a way of life, the way of the life of a Freemason. Remember whom the three represent, the Master, Senior and Junior Wardens. Remember too that they represent Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. Therefore, the meaning of the Word being lost is that the Masonic way of life can only be lived in the presence of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty and if all three are not present then that way of life, the Masonic Way of Life, cannot be present. So, this is the belief of Freemasonry. Your body will die, but have a sure and certain hope
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Master Mason that the soul will live on. While it lives, by and through the principles and philosophy of Freemasonry, it will, by reason of your building the Fourth Temple in your heart, be the home of the GAOTU on earth. Your temple allows Him to bring his Kingdom into the world. Remember, as we said in the beginning, “You have an awesome responsibility.” Intender Notes: Masonic Definition of Dotage However old a petitioner may Dotage is a condition often associated with old age. It is marked by juvenile desires, be, if he is in the possession loss of memory, and a failure of judgment. Simply being old does not bar someone of his healthy mental from membership, but we do require that he is mentally alert and mentally healthy. faculties, his age alone does not disqualify him. It is not No precise age can be fixed at which time such deficiencies occur. They appear the number of his years, but earlier in some individuals than in others. The lodge must determine for itself their effect on his mind that whether a specific petitioner falls into this category. should be the basic test. Intender Notes: Signs, Tokens and Words It is recommended that the These are among the secrets you have sworn to protect. We feel these are very Intender rehearse with the important because they provide our modes of recognition. Each sign, token, and word brother in a private place the has a symbolic meaning which serves to enrich the mind and improve our lives as following: Masons. You should know how to properly execute all the signs, exchange the a.) The Due Guard and Sign tokens, and give the words in order to properly show your respect for the dignity of of the Master Mason degree. our ceremonies and our Craft. b.) The pass-grip and pass word Precision in the execution of all movements connected with signs and grips is a of the Master Mason degree. splendid attribute for any Mason to cultivate. It not only gives evidence that he understands the meaning of what he is doing, but also indicates his respect for the c.) The strong grip of a Master Mason. dignity of his membership. Sloppy or careless, half-hearted movements, are unsightly and have no place in a Masonic lodge. d.) The Grand Masonic Word - in proper manner. While the signs, tokens, and words are not sufficient proof of membership in the Fraternity, they constitute very important links in the chain of evidence. As such, they e.) The Grand Hailing Sign become an essential part of a brother's examination for admittance as a visitor to a and accompanying words. lodge, in the absence of someone who can properly vouch for the brother. Intender Notes: The Setting Maul This was a wooden instrument used by operative masons to set polished stone firmly into the wall. The maul has been shown to be a symbol of destruction from prehistoric times and appears many times in mythology. Intender Notes: The Five Points of Fellowship These five points are symbolized by the Pentalpha or five-pointed star. In the center of the five-pointed star, two clasped hands are usually displayed. The five points of fellowship symbolize to Masons that both fidelity and a readiness to aid each other are essential to the practice of our Craft. Intender Notes: The Lion of the Tribe of Judah The lion has always been the symbol of might and royalty. It was the sign of the tribe of Judah, because this was the royal tribe of the Hebrew Nation. All Kings of Judah were, therefore, called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. This was one of the titles of King Solomon. Intender Notes: Trestleboard The Trestleboard (or Trestle Board) is a Masonic symbol of moral law. As one of the “movable jewels” of a lodge, it is the “board” on which the master draws his designs. Following the master’s designs, the rough stone is converted into the perfect ashlar and as such built into the walls of the Temple. The Trestleboard of a Speculative Mason is that on which he draws the designs for his character and spiritual growth and the basis for his moral law.
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Master Mason
Intender Notes: The Sprig of Acacia Hebrew people would plant a sprig of acacia at the head of a grave for two purposes. First, to mark the location of the grave, and also to show their belief in immortality. Because of its evergreen nature, they believed it to be an emblem of both immortality and innocence. In Freemasonry's great doctrine, it symbolizes the immortality of the soul. Intender Notes: The All-Seeing Eye This is a very old symbol of Deity. In Psalm 121, it says “He that keepeth Israel shall neither sleep nor slumber.” Thus, the idea that the Grand Architect watches over men is symbolized by the All-Seeing Eye and demonstrates that God is ever-present and ever-watchful. Every Freemason should keep in mind that the things we do before man and the things we do in secret are recorded by the All-Seeing Eye, and will bear witness for or against us at Judgment time. Intender Notes: The Legend of Hiram In Hebrew, Abif translates as Hiram Abif is a fictional character. We know him as the Grand Architect of King “his father” or “my father” Solomon's Temple. He should not be confused with Hiram, the King of Tyre, who is mentioned in I Kings, Chapter 7, verses 13 and 14. Hiram Abif is therefore correctly translated “Hiram, Masons refer to the Three Grand Masters as King Solomon, Hiram, King of Tyre, and my father,” the “my father” Hiram Abif. As such, Hiram Abif is a symbol of each of us, a symbol of all the being a term of great teachings of Masonry. We use these teachings to build the Fourth Temple, the temple respect. Hiram, the Widow's in our hearts. In effect each of us as Master Masons is our own Hiram Abif. Son, was the father of all his workmen in the same sense Hiram Abif was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, a man of Tyre; and there is no that the patriarchs of old character in the annals of Freemasonry whose life is so dependent on tradition as this were “fathers” of their celebrated architect of King Solomon's Temple. respective tribes. The sublime drama regarding Hiram Abif, as presented by Freemasonry, is strictly legendary. In fact it is usually referred to in Masonic literature as the “Legend of Hiram Abif,” or the “Hiramic Legend.” This artist is sometimes recognized as Hiram the Builder, sometimes as the Widow's Son, but more commonly as Hiram Abif. Biblically, the earliest account of his existence can be found in the first Book of Kings (Chapter 7:13, 14). He is next mentioned in the Second Book of Chronicles (Chapter 2:13, 14), in the letter from Hiram, King of Tyre to King Solomon. Intender Notes: Solomon, King of Israel King Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba, born about 997 B.C. He became King in 977 B.C. and died, about forty years later. The name Solomon means “peaceful”. Intender Notes: Hiram, King of Tyre Hiram of Tyre, of course, Hiram, King of Tyre, was a staunch friend of King David. He also became a friend actually lived, (See other and ally of David's son, Solomon. He assisted Solomon by supplying certain Biblical references) but the materials for the construction of the Temple. Masonic legend in which he plays a leading role is not Our Masonic Ritual assigns some duties to Hiram, King of Tyre that are purely historical. It was adopted by our legendary, but essential to the drama of the Third Degree. early ritual writers to exemplify in highly dramatic form the teachings of the Third Degree.
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Intender Notes: The Raising of a Candidate The raising of the candidate The “raising” does not only refer to resurrection after death, but the raising to a new is the sublime climax of the level of consciousness or understanding. Although you die as Hiram Abif you are Symbolic Degrees: and if a raised as yourself. You are raised to a greater plane of consciousness by the teachings Brother misses its meaning, of Freemasonry. The Third Degree represents two aspects of human life: old age and sees the living, the dying, the soul. Old age has always been a symbol of wisdom, while the soul is the essence and the raising of the master of the Grand Architect within each of us. only as a literal drama - designed to teach the virtues While the expression “the raising of a candidate” refers, materially, to a portion of of fortitude and inflexible the ceremony of the Third Degree it symbolically represents a resurrection after death fidelity - he has found Light and a Mason's belief in immortality. but only partially, and the Sublime Degree to him is nothing more than a theatrical play with a moral. Intender Notes: The Wages of a Master Mason Brother Carl H. Claudy put it The work we do as Master Masons, seeking perfection, building our own temple, and this way: “Master's Wages - a always endeavoring to improve ourselves mentally and morally is not done for phrase symbolic of the earthly rewards. We do our work for the rewards that come from within. The corn of rewards which come to a nourishment thus refers to the nourishment of the soul. The wine of refreshment Mason who learns what he allows us to go on with our work refreshed. The oil of joy allows us to do God's work professes and practices what which brings us great joy. These are our wages. Of course, not all do earn their he learns. The wages of a wages. This is why the Senior Warden, in the opening of the lodge, declares, “to pay Master are different for each the Craft their wages, if any be due . . .” Brother; each asks what he will and receives that for As a Freemason, you are primarily concerned with moral work. Therefore, your which he labors. If he works reward is found within yourself. The intangibles of love, friendship, respect, as a menial for a menial's opportunity, happy labor, and good associations are the wages of a Master Mason wage that is what he will who truly earns them. receive. If he demands much he will receive much, provided he earns it. This is one of the great intangibles, difficult to express in words, known well to all who love and labor in the Craft.” Intender Notes: Pythagoras and his Connection to Masonry Euclid (325 B.C.E. - 265 B.C.E.) Pythagoras (570 B.C.E. to 495 B.C.E.) was one of the most remarkable and able of actually followed Pythagoras by the Greek philosophers. He established a system of schools for a secret order in nearly 170 years. Crotona. Some Masonic scholars believe that the esoteric (secret) Masonic doctrines Further, the Forty-Seventh are derived from his schools. Pythagoras was a profound student of the science of Problem of Euclid was numbers. He is credited in the Anderson Constitutions of 1738 with the discovery of ultimately proven by Archimedes (287 B.C.E. - 212 B.C.E.). the Forty-Seventh Problem of Euclid. His influence on modern geometry should not be minimized or underestimated.
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Master Mason
SYMBOLS AND EMBLEMS OF THE THIRD DEGREE MM-S4
Intender Notes: The Working Tools The working tools of a Master Mason are all of the instruments or implements of Masonry. In the First Degree you were given the 24” Gauge and the Common Gavel. They teach us to wisely manage our time and use our time to fashion an exemplary life. As a Fellowcraft you were given the Plumb, the Square, and the Level. These tools guide our actions with others. The plumb guides us to keep upright among mankind. The square guides us to be honest and true. And, the level reminds us that we all travel together, none above or below another. The trowel is especially assigned to the Third Degree, where the Master Mason is taught to use the trowel to spread the cement of brotherly love. You are to use it to strengthen the ties and relationships you have with your brother Masons. Of course, the Square and Compasses are emblems which also appear in all our degrees. They are the universal and most well known public symbols of our beloved fraternity. As a Master Mason, you may wear them proudly. Intender Notes: The Emblems The Master Mason is reminded of the nine classes of emblems or symbols as presented in the Emblems lecture. The Pot of Incense represents our acceptable sacrifice and gratitude to our Deity. The Bee Hive reminds us to be industrious and to work with others for the common good. The Book of Constitutions guarded by the Tyler's sword reminds us to be careful in thoughts, words, and actions. The Sword Pointing to a Naked Heart reminds us that justice will always prevail. The Anchor and Ark remind us that while life can offer many difficult turns, the high road will undoubtedly lead us to safe sanctuary. The Forty-seventh Problem of Euclid teaches us to pursue our studies in the arts and sciences. The Hour Glass reminds us that time always moves forward and cannot be reversed. The Scythe reminds us that no one can escape the end of our time on earth. Finally, the ninth Masonic emblem, which is explained only in a tiled lodge, gives us hope in the eternal light that awaits us beyond the grave. Intender Notes: The Symbolism of the Temple Symbolic interpretations It is important to understand the symbolism of a temple, which we have singularized concerning the Temple of as “Solomon's Temple.” A temple has two specific functions that are not attributed to Solomon, in all of its aspects, a church or a cathedral. First, a temple is the residence of the Grand Architect when are practically inexhaustible. on earth. This residence is referred to as the Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies. Rational opinion, however, Second, it is a nonexistent place halfway between Heaven and Earth. The place is seems to center on the symbolic described in detail in the great work of Jewish mysticism known as the Kabbalah. representation of Man as a This symbolism is most appropriate to Masonry, which teaches us to build our own Temple of God. Refer to I temple in our hearts, seeking the same perfection and same meaning as was sought in Corinthians 3:16, 17, “Know ye building Solomon's Temple. not that ye are the temple of God, and that the spirit of God The chief purpose of Solomon's Temple was to provide a suitable dwelling for the dwelled in you. If any man Grand Architect of the Universe. There are many who claim that it was the most defile the temple of God him perfect edifice ever erected. Be that as it may, the fact remains that “perfection” was shall God destroy; for the the goal, just as perfection of body, mind, and character should be the goal of every temple of God is holy, which Master Mason. Your goal is to become a Temple which is a suitable dwelling place temple ye are.” for the Grand Architect of the Universe. Thus Freemasonry urges each of us to erect Freemasonry undertakes to elevate mankind by MM-10
Master Mason our Temple of Character for the same purpose that brought into being the great and strengthening the character of “perfect” Temple of Solomon. the individual Mason; it seeks to improve each of us as a Historically it is commonly accepted that King Solomon’s Temple was located on symbolic Temple and a suitable Mt. Moriah, near the place where Abraham was about to offer up his son Isaac, and dwelling for the Grand where David met and appeased the Destroying Angel. David purchased the site from Architect of the Universe. Oman, the Jebusite. King Solomon began the construction of the first temple in 1012 B.C. (1 Kings 5-8). It took seven and one half years to complete the construction of that temple. The original temple was destroyed in 586 B.C., by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Chaldees.
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Master Mason
CEREMONIES OF THE THIRD DEGREE MM-S5
Intender Notes: Preparation Many of the differences of the Your preparation should remind you of several things. First, through special clothing, you Master Mason’s degree and are reminded to be humble. You are also taught that your obligations become more the two preceding degrees are extensive and binding each time you advance. Finally, you are reminded that you are able too obvious to require to attain many of your desires only with the assistance of a friend or brother. discussion. As a “progressive moral science” Masonry Reception advances the candidate In the reception at the door, you are reminded that all of the lessons of Freemasonry according to a regular must be implanted in your heart if they are to serve a useful purpose and become a pattern which should be apparent to him as the part of your way of life. You should practice them daily. degrees unfold. Obligation The outstanding difference, of The obligation is the heart of the degree. By taking the obligation, you obtain the course, lies in the character privileges, the rights, and the benefits of a Master Mason, and accept your of the numerous obligations responsibilities to the Masonic institution. You must know and understand the which are assumed by the significance of the obligation if you are to abide by it. It is the obligation that makes a Master Mason. With emphasis it should be stressed man a Mason. The Third Degree obligation outlines the relationship between the here that each and every one newly made Master Mason, his lodge, our Grand Lodge, and his brethren. of the points of the obligation By thoughtfully reviewing your obligations from time to time, you are constantly aware is an important and complete entity. Each is to be rigidly of your responsibilities. Each point of each obligation has a highly important purpose. observed and practiced and Each fits perfectly into an overall pattern and is designed to direct your proper all are binding - forever! In relationship to our Fraternity, to the Grand Architect of the Universe, and to all of His this, as in the preceding creatures. degrees, the new brother is asked, “What makes you a Penalties Mason?” The answer is, “My While the penalties of each obligation are not to be taken literally, in the mid and obligation.” In the opening later medieval times operative masons used penalties in the obligations similar to the and closing rituals the Senior civil penalty for high treason, to emphasize the severity of their condemnation for Warden is asked, “What those who might violate their obligation. While there is no documentation of the makes you a Mason?” Since imposition of the penalty within the craft, the threat of physical harm was very real. it is the obligation that makes a man a Mason, it is crucial When Freemasonry became speculative, the penalties for violating your promises that the new brother learn became symbolic. what he is promising when As a new Master Mason, you need to be aware of how seriously the brethren of your taking his obligation. lodge view any violation of your obligations to yourself, your Brethren, and our The penalties of the fraternity; and the potential for suspension or expulsion from the craft if a member is obligation are symbolic. This may not have always been found guilty of such an infraction. was not always so. During the Masonic Funeral Dirge time period from the 1300s to the 1700s, when Freemasonry David Vinton, one of the early “traveling Masonic lecturers,” was the author of the was operative , rather than Masonic Funeral Dirge. He was born January 6, 1774, at Medford, Massachusetts, speculative, the penalties of and died at Shakertown, Kentucky, in July, 1833. The dirge, set to the music of the obligation were probably Pleyel's Hymn, was first published in the “Masonic Minstrel” at Dedham, a real threat, and while they Massachusetts, in 1816. might not be fully evoked, physical harm was a likely Lectures outcome of disloyalty. actual, The ritual of the Master Mason degree tells about death and resurrection through the story not symbolic. They were of Hiram Abif, Grand Master of the operative masons during the building of the Temple carried out, when a promise of Solomon. The lectures are the close of the ritual. At the start of the lectures we see the in the obligation was violated, in the actual way the symbol of the virgin weeping over a broken column. She is weeping over the unfinished penalties are stated. When
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Master Mason
Temple and the death of our first Grand Master. You are reminded that no matter how Freemasonry became serious the pressures of life are, time and perseverance cures all. The passages of life speculative, the penalties for through youth, manhood, and age are taught along with their relationship to the three violating the obligation degrees a Mason passes through; Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. became were made symbolic. The growth of the Mason as he passes these life periods teaches that as we master the teaching of each degree there is growth in the process. The lecture on the Emblems continues the teaching that human growth comes through a study of the emblems seen during the lecture. Purity of heart, living a life that is active in working for others, and living according to the law will make one a better person. Justice and faith makes for a well spent life. In the end we will all meet our Creator. It is through a well spent life that we leave behind a valuable and lasting legacy which is emblematic of the resurrection that exists beyond the grave. Charges The Charge to the Candidate impresses upon you the necessity of applying the principles learned in the three degrees. You are directed to now be an example for others, both Masons and non-Masons alike. As a newly made Master Mason you are now in a position to teach what you have learned to others, those who have yet to learn the fundamentals of a well ordered life. In the Charge to the Lodge, you and your brethren are reminded that what is taught in the three degrees will prepare you to meet your Creator. Living a life within our Masonic tenets provides a memorial that survives our passing.
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Master Mason
RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ACTIONS OF THE MASTER MASON MM-S6
Master Masons have certain rights and privileges, and as a newly made Master Intender Notes: Mason you are entitled to these rights and privileges just as are all Master Masons. These rights and privileges consist of Masonic relief, Masonic visitation, and Masonic burial. Intender Notes: Masonic Relief It should be understood by all The expression, “Just call on the Masons,” is one of the most misunderstood of all the Master Masons that granting many popular beliefs regarding Freemasonry. When grandfather told mother to “call on relief is a voluntary function of the Masons” if she needed help, that did not mean that unlimited assistance would be both the lodge and the provided the Mason’s descendant. It did mean that the wife or minor child of a Mason is individual. The brother entitled to Masonic relief under the same conditions that would apply to the brother. requesting the relief has no vested interest in the lodge or To be eligible to apply for relief, a Mason must not be under the sentence of claim upon any individual suspension or expulsion, and he must be deemed worthy. Master Mason. However, it should also be kept in mind Masonic relief may be applied for by any qualified brother - either to his own lodge, that relief along with brotherly or to an individual Master Mason. In every case, the individual who is being asked love and truth are the tenets of for help has the right to determine the worthiness of the request, and whether such aid a Mason's profession. can be granted without material injury to his own family. Illinois holds to the principle If you happen to become destitute or distressed while in a strange city, you can apply that the adult child of a Master for assistance to a local Board of Relief or through the Masonic Relief Association of Mason is not considered an the United States and Canada. They will contact your local lodge and explain the orphan in the Masonic sense. situation to one of the officers. Each Master Mason is obligated to a brother and to the brother’s widow and orphans to the extent of his ability. A lodge which finds a sojourning Mason, his widow or orphans in destitute circumstances should afford them temporary relief, in the meantime notifying the lodge to which he belongs, and thereafter governed by its instructions. When a stranger representing himself as a Mason applies for relief to another Mason, the usual practice is to refer the needy Brother to the Worshipful Master of the lodge. Often times, through this process, imposters are detected. Intender Notes: Masonic Visitation The examination by a To visit a lodge, a brother must be able to exhibit documentary evidence that he is a committee is made to satisfy the Mason. He is asked to provide his name, the name and number of his lodge, and its lodge that a visiting brother is location. His lodge should then be checked against the list of recognized lodges a Master Mason and able to contained in a book which the Tyler of the lodge should have on hand. partake in the meeting without embarrassment. If he is not vouched for by a Brother within the visited lodge, he must pass a To be prepared to visit another satisfactory examination on the essentials of the three degrees before an examining Lodge, the Intender should committee (appointed by the presiding Worshipful Master). ensure the candidate knows, and can appropriately In order to gain admission to another lodge, you should learn the test oath (found in perform: the Illinois Monitor) and carry your valid membership or dues card as evidence of * The Due Guard, Signs, and your membership at all times. grips in all three degrees. But no visitor can be received into a lodge as long as a single member present * The word and password in objects. the Fellowcraft Degree. * The password for the Third Degree and the Grand Masonic Word and how to communicate it properly.
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Master Mason
Intender Notes: Masonic Burial Masonic funeral rites are To be eligible for Masonic burial, a deceased brother must be in good standing and conducted only at the request not under sentence of suspension or expulsion. He does not need to be affiliated with of some member of a Mason's the lodge within whose jurisdiction he dies. It is important that you understand that, immediate family or the as a Master Mason, you should attempt to attend all Masonic funerals conducted by member, before his death. your lodge, and those in your District, whenever possible to do so. Whether you knew The choice belongs to the the deceased brother or not, your attendance is a mark of respect for a departed family and not to the lodge. brother who is receiving the last earthly benefits of Freemasonry. These rites can be held in the church, the funeral home or at a grave side. Intender Notes: Plural Membership An Illinois Master Mason can lawfully belong to more than one lodge at the same time. Code 270A states, “A Master Mason who is in good standing in a lodge ... may continue his membership in such lodge, and also become a member of one or more chartered lodges in this Grand Jurisdiction.” Occasionally, a lodge will elect a brother to honorary membership in recognition of his service to Freemasonry and the lodge. A Master Mason may not petition for honorary membership and such membership does not provide all the rights and privileges of a regular membership. An Honorary Member is not considered an actual member in the plural sense. Intender Notes: Special Favor Freemasonry does not seek to contravene the laws of the land, and no Mason should ask or expect favors in the outside world to which others would not be entitled. Those who seek, through Freemasonry, to gain special favors, get a better job, or escape justice do not comprehend the meaning of Masonry. Brothers seeking such favors will never reap the real benefits that the fraternity bestows, because the real benefits will not be apparent to him. Intender Notes: Responsibility of Conduct You have a constant responsibility as a Master Mason to preserve the good reputation of our Fraternity. Leading a good and exemplary life is the best means of carrying out our individual responsibility to our lodge and our Craft. Your conduct as a Master Mason is strictly your own responsibility. You should choose the course which will bring credit to yourself and honor to our Fraternity. Intender Notes: Responsibility of Lodge Attendance Freemasonry has no minimum Every Master Mason has a moral obligation to be loyal to the lodge which gave him attendance requirements, offers Masonic light and benefits. This should be your inducement to attend lodge as often no attendance prizes, and as possible, and to join in the fellowship that is Freemasonry. prescribes no penalty for absence. But certainly a Master Our Ancient Charges provide that “in Ancient Times no Master or Fellow could be Mason is morally obligated to absent from it (his lodge), especially when warned to appear at it, without incurring be loyal to the lodge which a severe censure, unless it appeared to the Master and Wardens that pure necessity permits him to enjoy the benefits hindered him.” You are encouraged to adhere to this directive. of Freemasonry. This includes attendance to the meetings of the lodge as frequently as possible.
MM-15
Master Mason
Intender Notes: Responsibility of Petition Signers Before endorsing the petition of anyone for initiation, you should take the time to discuss Masonry with the applicant. You should know why he wishes to become a Mason, what he expects, and what may be expected of him. The Investigating Committee should explain much of this to the applicant, but as you are vouching for his character, you should be personally satisfied with his motivations and know that he is of good moral character. In this way, the signing of the petition should be a personal source of great pleasure for you. Intender Notes: Responsibility of Investigation Only Master Masons who, in the opinion of the Worshipful Master, are most likely to make a prompt, individual, complete, and impartial inquiry into the petitioner's character, are entrusted with the task of investigating the petitioner. Should you be assigned to an investigating committee, you are obliged to fulfill that important trust. Intender Notes: Responsibility of Balloting A Mason should not hesitate to Only Master Masons who are members of the lodge conducting the ballot have a right to use the black cube in balloting vote. Every member present must vote unless excused from voting at his own request and if he is convinced in his heart, by unanimous consent of the other members present. The white ball is the affirmative or after due inquiry into his own favorable ballot, and the black cube or black ball is the negative or unfavorable ballot. motives, that the petitioner is unworthy. Personal likes or If you do not know of moral, mental, physical, or legal reason why the candidate dislikes, misunderstandings, or should not become a Freemason, then you should accept the word of the Investigating grudges should be put aside in Committee and cast a favorable ballot. However, if you do know of some reason that that solemn moment. The only standard which should govern indicates the petitioner is unworthy, do not hesitate to cast your vote to protect your a Mason's action in balloting brothers and the lodge from undesirable members. should be: Will this petitioner As you approach the ballot box, examine your own motives and be sure that your uphold or injure the good name of Freemasonry as a member? ballot will do justice to the candidate, to Freemasonry, and to yourself. Only by doing so, will we be able to continue building a membership of worthy brothers. When in Regarding the secrecy of balloting, a Master Mason is doubt, vote in favor of the lodge and Freemasonry. obligated to keep his vote The right to the secrecy of the ballot is guaranteed by Masonic law. This custom private. Code 332 of our Book allows each member to have perfect freedom in balloting on petitioners. No brother of Constitution and By-laws states in part as follows: “If may disclose how he voted, and no brother may inquire into how another brother any member ... shall expose the voted on any particular candidate. character of his own vote before, at the time of, or after casting it, or shall attempt to ascertain the character of the vote of any other member, he shall be liable to Masonic discipline and punishment.” Intender Notes: Responsibility of Dues and Charity First, each member is expected to pay his lodge dues in a timely manner. Second, it is hoped that you will voluntarily support as many of our Masonic charities and programs as you can. As an individual, you are also reminded to accept your responsibility to support local and public charities as well. By paying your dues in a timely manner, you carry your share of the expense incurred by your lodge. In voluntary support, you must determine the extent of your participation, measuring the need against your ability to help. A Master Mason must always remember that Masonic charity is greater than the giving of coin. It also includes charity translated as love. Our Masonic lessons teach us that all mankind is of one family; we should have love and compassion for all humanity.
MM-16
Master Mason
Intender Notes: Becoming a Voting Member of the Lodge You become a member of the Fraternity after being raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. You become a voting member of your lodge after you have signed your lodge’s Constitution and By-laws/Registry. Intender Notes: Membership Termination Termination of membership occurs in one of four ways - dimit, suspension, expulsion, or Refer to Code 273, 563, and death. You can apply for dimit if you are currently a paid-up member and in good 582A of the Book of Constitution and By-Laws. standing. You can transfer to another lodge if you have a valid dimit from your current lodge. You can be suspended for nonpayment of dues or for un-Masonic conduct. If suspended for nonpayment of dues, you can apply for reinstatement at any time. Your lodge will provide a certificate showing the date of suspension and the amount owed. By paying back the outstanding dues or portion there-of as determined by your lodge, plus your dues for the current year, you can petition for reinstatement. Your lodge secretary can direct you in this process. If suspended for un-Masonic conduct, you may petition for reinstatement through the proper channels. Intender Notes: Entering or Leaving a Tyled Lodge You should always endeavor to arrive before the lodge opens. This, of course, allows you to join in Masonic fellowship before the meeting begins. You should recognize that a lodge room, whether in session or not, is much the same as a place of meditation. You should use the time between arrival and the opening of the lodge by the Worshipful Master to mentally remove the cares of the world from your mind, and prepare yourself for the higher degree of consciousness required in a fraternal meeting. Loud talking, joking, or horseplay should only take place outside the lodge room, in the parlor or anteroom, and only when appropriate. If you arrive after the lodge room doors are closed, you should inform the Tyler, who will take care of the proper procedures for your entry. When the Worshipful Master gives his permission to enter, you should approach the Altar, salute the Master using the Due Guard and Sign for the degree in which the lodge is open, and then follow the directions of the Master. A glance at the Square and Compasses on the Altar will always inform you of the degree on which the lodge is open. Should you need to leave the lodge hall before the meeting is closed, you should arise and wait to be recognized by the Worshipful Master. When recognized, inform the Master of your need to exit the hall and he will instruct you as to the manner of your exit. Intender Notes: Deportment While in Lodge Your conduct and actions while the lodge is open are governed by good taste. You should not engage in private conversations, or through any other action, disrupt the business of the lodge. Discussions in the lodge are always a healthy sign and promote the interest of the lodge when properly conducted. If you wish to speak, rise, and after being recognized, make your remarks, then sit. You should observe rules of propriety, and refrain from mentioning personalities or disturbing the peace and harmony of the lodge. Religion, partisan politics, and any subject which might disrupt the peace and harmony of the lodge should not be discussed in the lodge. When the Master announces that a vote will be taken “by the sign of a Master Mason when voting,” it is done by raising the right hand. When petitions are balloted on, the ballot box is used. You will be kept at a respectful distance from the ballot box while waiting your turn to vote. At the annual meeting for election of officers, a written ballot is required unless a single suggestion is unanimous and accepted by acclamation.
MM-17
Master Mason
TRAVELING AS A MASTER MASON MM-S7
“To Travel in Foreign Countries” Intender Notes: The ultimate goal of our ancient operative brothers was to become masters so they Invite the brother to go forth might possess secrets and knowledge which would enable them to practice the arts of as a Master Mason. Build his the builder no matter where they traveled, even in foreign countries. temple in the hearts of men, continue his studies in Foreign countries, as used in Freemasonry, is a reference to a symbolic place and is not Freemasonry, and live the meant to refer to a certain geographical location. Freemasonry itself is a foreign country Masonic way of life, allowing to every new member. If he is to travel in it, if he is to earn Master's wages, he must learn the Grand Architect, by and its language, understand its customs and symbols, and study its history. He must become through his soul, to do His a part of it to fully appreciate and enjoy its privileges and pleasures. Becoming a Master work in the world. Mason gives each man the right to travel in foreign countries in Freemasonry. Freemasonry has many “foreign countries” within it. It is the wise and happy Freemason who works patiently at the pleasant task of visiting and studying his Craft. There are the Masonic “foreign countries” of philosophy, of jurisprudence, of history. No Freemason is really worthy of the name who does not understand something of how his new domain is governed, of what it stands for, and why. And, too, there is the “foreign country” of Symbolism, of which so much has already been said. As a Master Mason, a man has the right to travel in all the “foreign countries” of Freemasonry. If you learn our work and keep yourself in good standing, you may visit where you will. You are encouraged to not only visit other lodges but also libraries, study clubs, books, fraternal magazines and publications to seek more knowledge. Most and best of all, spend a quiet hour alone and allow yourself to reflect and ponder on what you have read, heard, and learned through your Masonic association. Intender Notes: Wearing Masonic Jewelry Illinois has no Masonic regulations governing the wearing of personal jewelry or emblems by Masons. Many Masons like to wear a Masonic ring with the points of the compasses toward their hearts, so that the Square and Compasses will appear in the same position that they occupied when they first beheld them. Others prefer that the Square and Compasses will appear “right side up” to the observer, in the same position that a lapel emblem should occupy. Each individual Mason may be governed by his own preference and sense of good taste. Intender Notes: Visit Famous Masonic Buildings and Monuments The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is situated on Shooter's Hill, on the outskirts of Alexandria, Virginia. It is constructed upon land once owned by Washington, on a site originally proposed for the location of the U. S. Capitol. The effort to erect this great Memorial originated in 1910. The cornerstone was laid in 1923, and the Memorial was dedicated in 1932 as a part of the ceremonies commemorating the bicentennial of Washington's birth. The Masons of Illinois, through our Grand Lodge, have contributed liberally to the erection and maintenance of this Memorial. Each lodge contributes the sum of $5.00 for each candidate receiving the Master Mason’s Degree. This contribution is turned over to our Grand Lodge and the total amount collected is turned over annually to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. This public memorial is a must visit for those Masons visiting our nation’s capital. Another important Masonic building in Washington, D.C. is the House of the Temple, which is the headquarters of the Scottish Rite, Southern Masonic Jurisdiction. It contains museums and libraries of great Masonic interest. The headquarters of the Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction is located in Lexington, Massachusetts, and also contains a museum and library of Masonic material.
MM-18
Master Mason
Intender Notes: Visiting Local Lodges in Illinois If he does not already have Every Master Mason has the right to visit other lodges. When visiting another lodge one, provide a copy of the in the State of Illinois, you will be asked to show a current and valid Dues Card to Official Monitor of the Most indicate that you are a member, in good standing, of the Fraternity. You may be Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. examined regarding your knowledge of the Due Guards, signs, grips, and words of & A. M of the State of Illinois the degrees, and you may be asked to recite an oath (The Illinois Test Oath can be to new Master Mason and found in the Official Monitor of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. & A. M of review the Test Oath with the the State of Illinois). This oath proclaims that you are not under the sentence of Master Mason. suspension or expulsion from Masonry. Often these requirements are waived when the visiting brother is vouched for by a brother Mason who is present and known to the visited lodge. Intender Notes: Visiting Local Lodges in Other States or Nations A Mason in good standing may visit a recognized lodge in another state at any time. You will be asked to show a current or permanent membership dues card and pass a test similar to that given in lodges in the State of Illinois. In addition, the examining committee will look up the name of your home lodge in an official list of lodges to verify that it is not a clandestine lodge and that your home lodge is recognized by the Grand Lodge of the State of visitation. When visiting a lodge in another country, you should contact our Grand Lodge office in Springfield, Illinois, which will provide you a document of introduction that you may present to the lodge in the foreign country.
THE MASTER MASON’S PROFICIENCY MM-S8
Whether you have progressed using the short form or the long form catechisms, the Intender Notes: Master Mason’s Proficiency is open to all. Learning the catechism for the Master In addition to personal study, Mason Degree and reciting the full long form catechism for all three degrees in open the newly-made Master Mason lodge qualifies you for a Certificate of Proficiency in the work. We encourage you to is encouraged to attend the seek this recognition and accomplishment. various schools of instruction which will teach the proper rod Your Masonic education does not stop with the completion of the Intender Program. and floor work. The rituals of our First, Second, and Third Degrees are only the start of a lifelong quest to become a better person through living a Masonic lifestyle. There are Now that the Mason has thousands of books available about Masonic history, philosophy, and symbolism. received his degrees he can be Many of these books can be found in the catalogs of recognized suppliers of Masonic a participant in the degrees to paraphernalia and books. There are numerous web sites of Masonic interest. Joining make other candidates become brethren in our Fraternity. the Illinois Lodge of Research, as well as other Masonic research lodges, can be Perhaps he can aspire to facilitated by an internet search. The Grand Lodge of Illinois’ Committee on Masonic become a lodge Intender, a Education posts articles of Masonic research on our Grand Lodge web site lodge officer, and go on to be (www.ilmason.org) and in its Illinois Freemasonry publication. Most members of our commissioned as a Certified fraternity find that a lifelong study of Masonic educational material is quite Lodge Instructor and/or Grand satisfying. Lecturer.
MM-19
Master Mason
MASTER MASON REVIEW QUESTIONS Please use whatever reference materials you can find to answer the following questions. It is hoped that these will guide you in your continued search for knowledge of the Craft.
1. Who was the first Grand Master (1822) of the Grand Lodge of A.F. and A.M. of Illinois? (MM-S1)
Shadrach Bond (The First Illinois Governor)
2. What is the name of the manuscript form that provided the first basic law of Freemasonry? (MM-S2)
the “Old Charges”
3. Why is the Third Degree called the Sublime Degree? (MM-S3)
from the solemnity of the ceremonies and the profound lesson of wisdom it teaches
4. What is clandestine lodge? (MM-S1)
A lodge that has not been issued a charter from a recognized Grand Lodge
5. Define the symbolism of the Five Points of Fellowship. (MM-S3)
That both fidelity and readiness to aid each other are to be found in the Craft as well as our everyday life
6. In Freemasonry, what does the Sprig of Acacia symbolize? (MM-S3)
Freemasonry’s great doctrine, immortality of the soul
7. What are the working tools of the Master Mason? (MM-S4)
All of the (previous) instruments or implements of Masonry plus, the trowel
8. Why is the obligation considered the heart of the Master Mason’s degree? (MM-S5)
By taking the obligation, the candidate obtains the privileges, the rights, and the benefits of a Master Mason and accepts his responsibilities to the Masonic institution.
9. What are the rights of a Master Mason? (MM-S6)
Masonic relief, Masonic visitation, and Masonic burial
10. What are three responsibilities of a Master Mason? (MM-S6)
Conduct, Lodge Attendance, Investigation, Balloting, Examination of Visitors, Petition Signer, Dues, and Charity
11. What do we mean by “foreign countries” in Masonry? (MM-S7)
Foreign countries, as used in Freemasonry, is a symbolic place and is not meant to refer to a certain geographical location. Freemasonry itself is a foreign country to every new member. If he is to travel in it, if he is to earn Master's wages, he must learn its language, understand its customs and symbols, and study its history.
12. When visiting a lodge where a Master Mason may not be known, how should the visitor prepare? (MM-S7)
When visiting another lodge in the State of Illinois, the Mason will be asked to show a current and valid Dues Card to indicate that he is a member, in good standing, of the Fraternity. He may be examined as to his knowledge of the Due Guards, signs, grips, and words of the degrees. Third, he may be asked to recite the Illinois Test Oath found in the Official Monitor.
MM-20
Master Mason
Master Mason - Open Lodge Proficiency Catechism The Examiner and Examinee enter the lodge in the same manner as is taught for the First and Second degree catechism. They share the center of the West side of the Altar; face the East and give the Due Guard and Sign of an Master Mason. The Worshipful Master then has ritual. WM: Brother , are you ready for your examination? Candidate: I am. WM:. Brother , you will conduct the examination. (The Examiner and Examinee then face one another and the examination begins.) Examiner: Will you be off or from? Candidate: From. Examiner: From what to what? Candidate: From the degree of Fellowcraft to that of Master Mason. Examiner: Are you a Master Mason? Candidate: I am. Examiner: What induced you to become a Master Mason? Candidate: That I might travel in foreign countries, work and receive Master's wages, and be thereby the better enabled to support myself and family, and contribute to the relief of worthy distressed brother Master Masons, their widows and orphans. Examiner: What makes you a Master Mason? Candidate: My obligation. Examiner: Where were you made a Master Mason? Candidate: In a regularly constituted lodge of Master Masons. Examiner: How are you prepared? Candidate: By being divested of all metals, neither naked nor clad, barefoot, hoodwinked, and with a cable tow three times around my body, in which condition I was conducted to the door of the lodge by a brother. Examiner: Why had you a cable tow three times around your body? Candidate: To signify that as I advanced in Masonry my duties and obligations became more and more extensive. Examiner: How gained you admission? Candidate: By three distinct knocks. Examiner: What was said to you from within? Candidate: Who comes here. Examiner: Your answer? Candidate: Brother John Paul Jones, who has been regularly initiated as an Entered Apprentice, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, and now seeks further light in Masonry by being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Examiner: What were you then asked? Candidate: If it was of my own free will and accord, if I was worthy and well qualified, duly and truly prepared, and had made suitable proficiency in the preceding degree, all of which being answered in the affirmative I was asked by what further right or benefit I expected to gain admission. Examiner: Your answer? Candidate: By the benefit of the pass. Examiner: Did you give the pass? Candidate: I did not, but my conductor gave it for me. Examiner: How were you then disposed of? Candidate: I was directed to wait with patience until the Worshipful Master was informed of my request and his answer returned. Examiner: What answer did he return? Candidate: Let him enter in the name of the Lord and be received in due form. Examiner: How were you received? Candidate: On the points of the compasses extending from my naked right to left breast which was to teach me that, as the most vital parts of man are contained within the breast, so are the most excellent tenets of our Institution contained within the points of the compasses, which are friendship, morality, and brotherly love. Examiner: How were you then disposed of? Candidate: I was conducted three times around the lodge to the Junior Warden in the South where the same questions were asked and like answers returned as at the door. Examiner: How did the Junior Warden dispose of you? Candidate: He directed me to the Senior Warden in the West and he to the Worshipful Master in the East where the same questions were asked and like answers returned as before. Examiner: How did the Worshipful Master dispose of you? Candidate: He ordered me to be re-conducted to the Senior Warden in the West who taught me to approach the East by three upright, regular steps, my feet forming the angle of a square, my body erect at the Altar before the Worshipful Master. Examiner: What did the Worshipful Master then do with you? Candidate: He made me a Master Mason in due form.
MM-21
Master Mason
Examiner: What is that due form? Candidate: Kneeling on my naked knees, my hands resting on the Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses, in which due form I took upon myself the solemn oath or obligation of a Master Mason which is as follows. I John Paul Jones, of my own free will and accord, in the presence of almighty God and this Worshipful Lodge, erected to Him and dedicated to the Saints John, do hereby and hereon most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will always hele, ever conceal, and never reveal any of the secret arts, parts, or points of the Master Mason's Degree to any person or persons whomsoever, except it be to a true and lawful brother of this degree or within a regularly constituted lodge of Master Masons, and neither unto him nor them until by strict trial, due examination or legal information I shall have found him or them as lawfully entitled to the same as I am myself. I furthermore promise and swear that I will conform to and abide by all the laws, rules, and regulations of the Master Mason's Degree and of the lodge of which I shall hereafter become a member, and that I will ever maintain and support the constitution, laws, and edicts of the Grand Lodge under which the same shall be holden, so far as the same shall come to my knowledge. Furthermore, that I will answer and obey all due signs and summonses sent to me from a Master Masons’ lodge or given to me by a brother of this degree, if within the length of my cable tow. Furthermore, that I will keep the secrets of a worthy brother Master Mason as inviolable as my own when communicated to and received by me as such, murder and treason excepted. Furthermore, that I will aid and assist all worthy distressed brother Master Masons, their widows and orphans, I knowing them to be such, so far as their necessities may require and my ability will permit without material injury to myself or family. Furthermore, that I will not assist in nor be present at the initiating, passing, or raising of a woman, an old man in his dotage, a young man under age, an atheist, a madman, nor a fool, I knowing them to be such. Furthermore, that I will not sit in a lodge of clandestine masons nor converse upon the secrets of Freemasonry with a clandestine mason, nor with one who is under the sentence of expulsion or suspension, to my knowledge while under such sentence. Furthermore, that I will not knowingly strike a brother Master Mason nor otherwise do him personal violence in anger, except it be in the necessary defense of my person, family or property. Furthermore, that I will not cheat, wrong nor defraud a Master Masons' lodge nor a brother of this degree, nor supplant him in any of his laudable undertakings, but will give him due and timely notice that he may ward off approaching danger if in my power. Furthermore, that I will not have illicit carnal intercourse with a brother Master Mason's wife, his mother, sister nor daughter, I knowing them to be such, nor suffer it to be done by others if in my power to prevent. Furthermore, that I will not give the Grand Hailing Sign or Sign of Distress of a Master Mason unless in real distress or in cases of the most imminent danger, in a regularly constituted lodge of Master Masons, or in a secure place for Masonic instruction; and should I see the sign given or hear the words accompanying it, I will repair to the relief of the person so giving it if there is a greater probability of saving his life than of losing my own. Furthermore, that I will not give the Grand Masonic Word in any other manner or form than that which I shall hereafter receive it, and then only in low breath. All this I most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, with a firm and steadfast resolution to keep and perform the same without any equivocation, mental reservation or secret evasion of mind whatever, bndng msif und a no ls pnit thn tht f hvg my bod sevrd n twan, my bols tkn fr thnc nd burnd tu shes, nd t shes sctrd tu t for wnds f hevn, tht no tree or rmbrnc ma b h f so vile nd prjrd a rech s I should I ever knowingly violate this, my solemn obligation of a Master Mason, so help me. God, and keep me steadfast in the due performance of the same. Examiner: After taking the obligation, what were you asked? Candidate: What I most desired. Examiner: Your answer? Candidate: Further light in Masonry. Examiner: Did you receive further light? Candidate: I did, by order of the Worshipful Master and the assistance of the brethren. Examiner: Upon being brought to light, what did you discover more than before? Candidate: Both points of the Compasses elevated above the Square which was to teach me never to lose sight of the Masonic application of that useful and valuable instrument which teaches friendship, morality, and brotherly love. Examiner: What did you next discover? Candidate: The Worshipful Master approaching me from the East under the Due Guard and sign of a Master Mason, who, in token of the further continuance of friendship and brotherly love, presented me his right hand and with it the pass and token of the pass of a Master Mason, ordered me to arise and salute the Junior and Senior Wardens as such. Examiner: After saluting the Wardens, what did you next discover? Candidate: The Worshipful Master who ordered me to be re-conducted to the Senior Warden in the West who taught me how to wear my apron as a Master Mason. Examiner: How should a Master Mason wear his apron? Candidate: With the corner turned down in the form of a square to designate him as a Master Mason or overseer of the work.
MM-22
Master Mason
Examiner: After being taught how to wear your apron, how were you then disposed of? Candidate: I was re-conducted to the Worshipful Master in the East who presented me with the working tools of a Master Mason which are all the implements of Masonry indiscriminately, but more especially the trowel, and taught me its use. Examiner: What is its use? Candidate: The trowel is an instrument made use of by operative Masons to spread the cement which unites the building into one common mass; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection — that cement which unites us into one sacred band, or society of friends and brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree. Examiner: How were you then disposed of? Candidate: I was re-conducted to the place whence I came, invested with what I had been divested of, and awaited the further will and pleasure of the Worshipful Master. Examiner: From what to what, by what, and on what, were you raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason? Candidate: From a dead level to a living perpendicular by the strong grip of a Master Mason or the Lion's Paw, on the five points of fellowship. Examiner: What are the five points of fellowship? Candidate: Foot-to-foot, knee-to-knee, breast-to-breast, hand-to-back, and cheek-to-cheek or mouth-to-ear. Examiner: What do they teach? Candidate: Foot-to-foot teaches that I will ever go on foot and out of my way to assist a needy worthy brother. Knee-to-knee that in all my devotions to Deity I will remember a brother's welfare as well as my own. Breast-to-breast that I will ever keep within my breast the secrets of a worthy brother Master Mason as inviolable as my own, when communicated to and received by me as such, murder and treason excepted. Hand-to-back that I will ever stretch forth my hand to save a falling brother, and that I will vindicate his character behind his back as well as before his face. Cheek-to-cheek or mouth-to-ear that I will ever whisper good council in the ear of an erring brother and, in the most friendly manner, remind him of his error and aid his reformation, and that I will give him due and timely notice that he may ward off approaching danger if in my power. Examiner: Will you be off or from? Candidate: From. Examiner: From what to what? Candidate: From the real grip of a Fellowcraft to the pass grip of a Master Mason. Examiner: Pass. What is this? Candidate: The pass grip of a Master Mason. Examiner: Has it a name? Candidate: It has. Examiner: Will you give it me? Candidate: I did not so receive it, neither will I so impart it. Examiner: How will you dispose of it? Candidate: I will syllable it with you. Examiner: Syllable and begin. Candidate: No, you begin. Examiner: You must begin. Candidate: Examiner: Examiner: Will you be off or from? Candidate: From. Examiner: From what to what? Candidate: From the pass grip of a Master Mason to the true grip of the same. Examiner: Pass. What is this? Candidate: The strong grip of a Master Mason or the Lion's Paw. Examiner: Has it a name? Candidate: It has, it being that which I have solemnly sworn never to give in any other manner or form than that in which I received it and then only in low breath. Examiner: Will you give it me? Candidate: I will, if you will place yourself in a proper position to receive it. Examiner: What is that position? Candidate: Foot-to-foot, knee-to-knee, breast-to-breast, hand-to-back, and cheek-to-cheek or mouth-to-ear.
(When in the proper position, the examinee will communicate the Grand Masonic Word. Then, the Candidate and the Examiner will face the East and the Master will sound the gavel and then have ritual to the candidate.) WM: Brother , I declare (or not declare) your Master Mason’s Proficiency satisfactorily completed.
MM-23
Master Mason
MM-24
Index
INDEX
Item Page No. Item Page No. ADMINISTRATION OF THE INTENDER PROGRAM...... I-4 MEANING OF THE FIRST DEGREE EA-S4...... EA-11 BEYOND THE BLUE LODGE OT-S13 ...... OT-10 MEANING OF THE SECOND DEGREE FC-S5 ...... FC-9 CEREMONIES OF THE FIRST DEGREE EA-S6...... EA-16 MEANING OF THE THIRD DEGREE MM-S3...... MM-6 CEREMONIES OF THE SECOND DEGREE FC-S7...... FC-13 MENTORING SESSIONS ...... I-3 CEREMONIES OF THE THIRD DEGREE MM-S5 ...... MM-12 NATURE OF MASONIC CEREMONIES OT-S12 ...... OT-9 CUSTOMS EA-S7...... EA-18 ON THE THRESHOLD REVIEW QUESTIONS...... OT-11 DARK DAYS FOR US MASONRY FC-S2...... FC-4 ORIGIN OF THE GRAND LODGE OT-S4...... OT-3 EARLY HISTORY OF MASONRY EA-S1...... EA-1 ORIGINS OF FREEMASONRY OT-S3...... OT-2 EDUCATIONAL SEQUENCE ...... I-5 OUR MASONIC SECRETS OT-S5 ...... OT-4 ENTERED APPRENTICE - OPEN LODGE LONG FORM EXAMINATION....EA-23 PREPARING THE CANDIDATE OT-S10 ...... OT-8 ENTERED APPRENTICE - OPEN LODGE SHORT FORM EXAMINATION..EA-22 PROPER SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION OT-S7 ...... OT-6 ENTERED APPRENTICE REVIEW QUESTIONS ...... EA-21 PURPOSE OF FREEMASONRY OT-S2...... OT-1 FAMOUS AMERICAN MASONS FC-S3 ...... FC-5 PURPOSE OF THE INTENDER PROGRAM...... I-2 FELLOWCRAFT - OPEN LODGE LONG FORM EXAMINATION ...... FC-19 QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CANDIDATE OT-S9 ...... OT-8 FELLOWCRAFT – OPEN LODGE SHORT FORM EXAMINATION ...... FC-18 RELIGION, ATHEISM, TOTALITARIANISM, AND MASONRY OT-S6...... OT-5 FELLOWCRAFT REVIEW QUESTIONS ...... FC-17 RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ENTERED APPRENTICE MASON EA-S8...... EA-19 FOREWORD...... I-1 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FELLOWCRAFT FC-S8...... FC-16 FREEMASONRY DEFINED OT-S1...... OT-1 RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES,& ACTIONS OF MASTER MASON MM-S6. MM-14 GUIDELINES FOR THE INTENDER PROGRAM ...... I-2 SYMBOLISM, THE BLUE LODGE, AND MASONRY OT-S11...... OT-9 HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK...... I-5 SYMBOLS AND EMPLEMS OF THE FIRST DEGREE EA-S5 ...... EA-14 LODGE OFFICERS EA-S3 ...... EA-8 SYMBOLS AND EMBLEMS OF THE SECOND DEGREE FC-S6...... FC-10 MASONIC CHARITIES AND CIVIC DUTY OT-S8...... OT-7 SYMBOLS AND EMBLEMS OF THE THIRD DEGREE MM-S4 ...... MM-10 MASONIC LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE MM-S2...... MM-4 THE FIRST STEP IN MASONRY ...... EA-1 MASONIC ORGANIZATION EA-S2...... EA-7 THE GRAND LODGE FC-S4...... FC-6 MASONRY IN ILLINOIS MM-S1 ...... MM-1 THE SECOND STEP IN MASONRY ...... FC-1 MASONRY IN THE UNITED STATES FC-S1...... FC-1 THE THIRD STEP IN MASONRY ...... MM-1 MASTER MASON - OPEN LODGE PROFICIENCY CATECHISM ...... MM-21 TRAVELING AS A MASTER MASON MM-S7 ...... MM-18 MASTER MASON REVIEW QUESTIONS...... MM-20 WHAT IS AN INTENDER?...... I-1 MASTER MASON’S PROFICIENCY MM-S8...... MM-19 YOUR LOCAL LODGE OT-S14 ...... OT-10
Index
Index
Index