CLC - Fellow Craft - 05.22.17

Fellow Craft

Table of Contents

Section I: The Purpose of Elements of Passing .......................................................... 4 Preparation ................................6 Password ...................................7 Reception ..................................8 Circumambulation: the Three Theological Virtues .......................9 Obligation.................................10 Masonry as a Progressive Moral Science.. 12 Operative and Speculative Masonry.......13 Nature .....................................14 Architecture ..............................15 Senses of Human Nature................16 Liberal Arts and Sciences ...............17 Passing to Fellow Craft ..................18 Video: A Progressive Moral Science ...11 Video: Your Passing-Overarching Lessons. 19 Your Passing as a Whole - Overarching Lessons ....................................20 Section II: Interpretation of Symbols and Tools ............................................................ 21

Plumb......................................23 Square .....................................24 2

Level.......................................25 King Solomon's Temple..................26 The Two Pillars on the Porch ..........27 Globes .....................................28 The Winding Staircase of Three, Five and Seven Steps..........................30 Wages of a Fellow Craft Mason .......31 The Three Precious Jewels .............32 Geometry .................................33 Moral Advantages of Geometry ........34 Section III: Behavior Exemplary of Symbols and Tools..................................................... 35 Self-improvement .......................37 Curiosity...................................38 Industry ...................................39 Patience...................................40 Trust .......................................41 Balance....................................42 Photography Credits.....................43 Video: The Winding Staircase..........29

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Section I: The Purpose of Elements of Passing

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P REPARATION

Your preparation for this degree was similar to that for your Entered Apprentice Degree with one significant addition. Your admission as an Apprentice was conditioned on your character and willingness to learn. Your admission as a Fellow Craft was further conditioned on your progress so

far in Masonry, demonstrated in part by the proficiency you made in the Entered Apprentice Degree. Your proficiency allowed your guide to give on your behalf the Password required for admission into a Lodge of Fellow Craft Masons. It was to signify to you that advancement in Masonry is conditioned on your continued progress in this moral science.

Click here to see the related article “Labor”

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P ASSWORD A Password is a means of identification to gain admission, and as such should not be shared beyond those entitled to use it. It reminds us of our obligation to keep confidential the means by which we can recognize one another as Masons. As you have now learned, the Password given for your first admission into a Lodge of Fellow Craft Masons comes from a Biblical password used to distinguish friend from foe.

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R ECEPTION On gaining admission, you learned that your actions in life should be squared by truth and morality. To square our actions means to bring our conduct into conformity with the required standard. We chisel on our imperfections with the common gavel but we test the progress we are making in that work with the square.

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C IRCUMAMBULATION : THE T HREE T HEOLOGICAL V IRTUES In the Entered Apprentice Degree, you were instructed in the Cardinal Virtues of Plato: temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice, the foundational standards of right action and thinking in society. During your journey of circumambulation in the Fellow Craft Degree, your thoughts were directed to the Theological Virtues: faith, hope and charity, the foundational standards of right action and thinking in our relationship with the Divine. Faith is a trusting acceptance of the existence of a Supreme Being whose work will eventually return all things to harmony. Hope allows us to live with confidence awaiting the completion of God’s purpose for the world. We receive Charity or undeserved love without regard to our failings when we are welcomed into a harmonious relationship with the Divine. In response, we offer that same love by accepting others as we have been accepted. We are told that Charity or love is the greatest of these Theological Virtues, because by offering love we become agents of the Divine in returning the world to harmony.

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O BLIGATION As we progress in Masonry, we earn the right to assume more obligations. To your obligations of brotherhood and secrecy as an Entered Apprentice Mason, you have now added three sets of affirmative obligations to the lodge and all brother Fellow Craft Masons, as well as a promise to protect from improper disclosure the modes of recognition of a Fellow Craft Mason.

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A P ROGRESSIVE M ORAL S CIENCE

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M ASONRY AS A P ROGRESSIVE M ORAL S CIENCE

As you were told at the altar, Masonry is a progressive moral science. It is progressive in that we pursue it by successive steps. It is a lifetime of chiseling on our imperfections, first as we progress through the three degrees and thereafter through life as Master Masons. It is moral: inherent in its symbols are the standards to measure our relationship with the Supreme Being and each other. It is a science as, through observation, reflection, hypothesis and testing, we gain understanding of the moral standards inherent in its symbols and where we need to chisel next.

Click here to see the related article “Enlightenment”

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O PERATIVE AND S PECULATIVE M ASONRY

It has been said that Freemasonry is a Speculative Science founded upon an Operative Art. It is speculative because Masonry requires us to be contemplative and analytical. As explained earlier, it is a science and thus requires us to observe ourselves and others in search of that personal behavior which

will help us foster a more harmonious existence. Speculative Masonry uses the tools and techniques of the Operative Art of the stonemasons as symbols, the contemplation of which can reveal right thinking and conduct. During the 1600’s, an increasing number of gentlemen were being made Masons by Scottish and some English stonemasons, not to work in construction but to give them access to study Masonry’s symbols. The rich possibilities of interpretation from the stonemasons’ tools and techniques as symbols of a rational and harmonious universe, and Man’s appropriate role in it, obviously captured the imagination of these early speculative Masons and encouraged many others to join. Click here to see the related article “The Emergence of Speculative Masonry: An Overview”

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N ATURE Nature is the sum of all things in the universe. We cannot see and touch the Supreme Being but we can and do see and touch in Nature its works. Our belief in the existence of a Supreme Being is therefore supported in part by faith and in part by our understanding of its work. Nature always returns to harmony, no matter how explosive may be the forces at work within it or Man’s attempts to disrupt it. Harmony will ultimately and always prevail, and in this we put our trust and can find the Divine. This lesson also reminds us of our duty to promote beauty and harmony as messengers of the Divine.

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A RCHITECTURE Architecture provides another pathway to increase our appreciation of beauty and harmony, as Henry Wilson Coil, a California Mason and scholar, wrote in Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia: Architecture is one of the decorative arts, that is, a fine art applied to the beautification of that which is primarily utilitarian. . . . The utility and strength of a building depend upon engineering and construction; its beauty and attractiveness are created by architecture. The three chief elements of architecture are: first, size or vastness which gives a sense of majesty and power; secondly, harmony, proportion and symmetry, the absence of which is glaring and unpleasant, though the reason is difficult to assign; and thirdly, ornament and color, which lend variety to the many surfaces.

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S ENSES OF H UMAN N ATURE Because Masonry is a science and science is based in part on observation, you were reminded of the importance of observation by instruction in the five senses of human nature: hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling and tasting. Our understanding of the challenges of the world and our role in addressing them starts with what we perceive through our senses. Learning how to be an effective agent of brotherly love, relief and truth, the foundations of a harmonious society, requires observation: observing the conduct of others and how our conduct increases or impairs harmony. By sharpening our senses and our commitment to improvement, we become more skilled in applying the principles of Masonry to our conduct.

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L IBERAL A RTS AND S CIENCES

As operative Masonry developed a speculative nature, its leaders recognized the need for a Mason to know more than just his trade. A Mason could be his own master only if he had the aptitude and training to make his own decisions. The mechanical arts could provide a Mason with a

livelihood, but a study of the seven liberal arts and sciences could train him to think for himself and be independent. This study began with the trivium of grammar, rhetoric (the art of speaking) and logic, the keys to language. Once the trivium was mastered, a student then progressed to the study of the quadrivium: arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy, which can open the mind to the secrets of nature.

Click here to see the related article “Middle Chamber Lecture”

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P ASSING TO F ELLOW C RAFT It can now be said that you have passed to the degree of Fellow Craft. This new status commemorates your passage through a long porch where you were introduced to the Two Pillars and the Winding Staircase. At the end of the porch, you were examined at each of two doors and then admitted to the Middle Chamber of King Solomon’s Temple, where by our tradition Fellows of the Craft were paid wages and had their names recorded in recognition of successful progress to date in Masonry. Because of your progress and admission to the Middle Chamber, you have earned the right to be a Fellow Craft. Like a journeyman operative Mason, you are no longer an Apprentice or beginner but not yet a Master Mason and full member of the Lodge.

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Y OUR P ASSING - O VERARCHING L ESSONS

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Y OUR P ASSING AS A W HOLE - O VERARCHING L ESSONS The Fellow Craft Degree is about science. Through the scientific method of observation, reflection, hypothesis and testing, we can improve our conduct through the moral and ethical lessons to be drawn from the tools and techniques of a stonemason. That study should include the seven liberal arts and sciences, because every man, no matter what his profession, should have a broad education in the workings of the world to be an effective contributor to its success. The most important of these seven is Geometry, as through it we find the evidence of the work of the Great Architect in the universe and clues as to how we can advance that work.

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Section II: Interpretation of Symbols and Tools

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P LUMB A plumb is typically a lead weight hung at the end of a line, used to determine whether a wall is vertical. Together with the square and level, the plumb was used by the stonemason to assure himself that the building being constructed rose straight and square. Thus, the plumb became a symbol of rectitude of conduct. Masons should be steadfast in the pursuit of truth, neither bending beneath the frowns of adversity nor yielding to the seductions of prosperity, deviating neither a hairs breadth to the right nor to the left from that which is true. The English word “rectitude” derives from the Latin “rectum,” which signifies at the same time a

right line and honesty or integrity. The plumb is worn by the Junior Warden as the jewel of his station.

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S QUARE

The square is an instrument having two sides that form an angle of 90 degrees. Together with the compass and the letter “G” in the center, they form

the most familiar symbol associated with Masonry. The stonemason uses the square to lay out and test right angles. If any stone is not square, the structure erected upon it cannot rise straight and square from the ground. From this tool, the Speculative Mason learns to test his actions in life toward God and man by morality, truthfulness, honesty and virtue, thereby contributing to a harmonious and stable superstructure of human society. So universally accepted is this symbolism that it may be found outside the Masonic order. A moral, truthful and honest person is noted by his or her square dealing. To treat another fairly is acting on the square. The square is worn by the Master as the jewel of his station.

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L EVEL

The traditional stonemason’s level is a straight edge with a plumb line suspended above it. With it, a

stonemason adjusts each

stone as it is laid to make it level.

No matter how square the stones, the structure cannot rise square and erect from the ground unless each stone is level. Every part of the stone must be at an equal height. The level therefore is a symbol of equality. Yet, treating one another as equals cannot eliminate all distinctions among us. We cannot be equally qualified to do every task. The level symbolizes the equality inherent in brotherhood: the equal regard we should have for one another even though we may sometimes differ. As a Mason acts by the square of virtue, he meets his fellow man on the level of equality. The level is worn by the Senior Warden as the jewel of his station.

Click here to see the related article “Fellow Craft Working Tools and Other Officer Jewels”

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K ING S OLOMON ' S T EMPLE King Solomon’s Temple, the men and events surrounding its construction and the operative mason’s tools and techniques used in the project provide the symbols which distinguish Speculative Masonry. The construction of the Temple represents a Mason’s erection of his spiritual, moral and Masonic edifice, symbolically begun when he is placed like the cornerstone in the northeast corner of the Lodge as an Entered Apprentice. Having studied secrecy and brotherhood as an Apprentice, together with an orientation on the basic principles of the craft, he takes his next step as a newly obligated Fellow Craft when he approaches the pillars at the porch of the Temple. Improving himself by aid of the lessons inherent in Masonry’s symbols and supported by his faith, the Mason continues his progress toward his ultimate reward.

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T HE T WO P ILLARS ON THE P ORCH From the Bible and the ancient historian Flavius Josephus, we learn that two bronze pillars, named Boaz and Jachin, were set in the porch at the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple. It was an ancient custom to erect such pillars to commemorate and give thanks for important events. These pillars are now symbolically represented within every Masonic lodge. The name Boaz in Hebrew signifies in him is strength, and the name Jachin signifies he establishes. As we start our journey as Fellow Craft Masons, these pillars commemorate our next important step to improve ourselves in Masonry. The names Boaz and Jachin remind us that our spiritual, moral and Masonic edifice can be established in strength if we rely on God and one another.

Click here to see the related article “Pillars of the Porch”

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G LOBES Neither the Bible nor Josephus mentions globes on the capitals of the pillars. However, Masonic tradition places them there to represent the celestial and terrestrial spheres of heaven and earth. The maps on these spheres remind us of a universe in harmony which we acknowledge as evidence of the Great Architect. They also remind us of the importance of geometry as Divine harmony is further revealed through its study.

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THE WINDING STAIRCASE

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T HE W INDING S TAIRCASE OF T HREE , F IVE AND S EVEN S TEPS From the Bible we learn that one went up by stairs to the middle chamber or floor of King Solomon’s Temple. Masonic tradition informs us that this approach was by a flight of winding stairs on the porch, consisting of three, five and seven steps. From the explanation of these steps, we learn the studies we must undertake if we will successfully erect our spiritual, moral and Masonic edifice. As we climb those steps and learn the lessons associated with each, improving ourselves in Masonry as we progress, we may reach the middle chamber of the Temple where our labors are recognized by our brothers. But, the ultimate resting place is the sanctuary at the center of the symbolic edifice where Truth will be revealed.

Click here to see the related article “The Legend of the Winding Stairs"

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W AGES OF A F ELLOW C RAFT M ASON Corn, wine, and oil are the symbolic wages received by the Fellow Craft Mason when, properly tested and vouched for, he arrives at the Middle Chamber. Corn represents nourishment and the sustenance of life. It is also a symbol of plenty and refers to the opportunity for doing good for others. The corn in this context is better understood by us as grain. Wine is symbolic of refreshment, health and peace. Oil represents spirituality, joy, gladness and happiness. They point to the intangible rewards of Speculative Masons: a deeper understanding of brotherhood, a clearer conception of ethical living, an increased respect for others and their point of view, and a more resolute willingness to think and act justly, independently, and honestly, on the level, by the square and by the plumb.

Click here to see the related article “Corn, Wine and Oil."

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T HE T HREE P RECIOUS J EWELS While these jewels and their explanation are esoteric, they remind us of the necessity to develop a lifelong commitment to study the teachings of the craft and to demonstrate those teachings outside the lodge. Even though certain aspects of our craft must always be held in strict confidence from the uninitiated, our actions should reveal their benefits.

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G EOMETRY Geometry is the branch of mathematics that deals with points, lines, surfaces and solids, and examines their properties, measurements and mutual relations in space. It is the basis of astronomy, navigation, architecture and engineering. The stonemason uses it to lay out his plans for the structure he erects to assure both its strength and its beauty. Because of the moral advantages which may be discerned through it, Geometry is also the foundation on which the superstructure of Speculative Masonry is erected.

Click here to see the related article “Sacred Geometry"

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M ORAL A DVANTAGES OF G EOMETRY The Fellow Craft Mason is challenged to find evidence of the Great Architect of the Universe in the harmony or equilibrium of all things in the material world. Geometry, therefore, as the science which measures and demonstrates that harmony or equilibrium, becomes itself a symbol for that harmony or equilibrium, or a symbol for the works of the Great Architect. We are challenged as Masons to be part of that harmony or equilibrium by acting in accordance with the standards we have learned as Masons. The benefits to us and others from a life so governed are the moral advantages of Geometry.

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Section III: Behavior Exemplary of Symbols and Tools

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S ELF - IMPROVEMENT

Self-improvement is what Masonry is about, and the Fellow Craft Degree outlines a program to follow in pursuing that goal: observation, reflection, hypothesis and testing. We observe ourselves and others. We reflect on how personal conduct increases or impairs harmony. We reflect on the conduct indicated by our Masonic symbols. We reflect on the moral

advantages of Geometry and what others have discovered before us through the liberal arts and sciences. Along the way, we start to come up with hypotheses: if I make this change to how I react to situations, will there be a better result? Then, we test this change by actually making it! Self- improvement requires work, and the Fellow Craft Degree provides the work plan. Remember during this work that self-improvement involves both doing good and being better. To be better is obvious but we improve ourselves also when we help others. Sharing what we have gained reorients our outlook to the true source of a harmonious existence.

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C URIOSITY

Curiosity is the desire to learn and improve, and therefore without it self-improvement will be difficult. Masonry gives you a system of symbols as a

new way to look at what you have been observing throughout your life so far. You sense something profound in this approach and the limitless

possibilities which this approach opens to you. You are curious to learn more. Don’t let that curiosity grow stale. Always look for more. Recognize also that Masonry’s power is its ability to provide answers to our needs. As our needs change through life, so does the benefit we each get from Masonry. An undiminished willingness to learn and improve, curiosity, will reward you with new discoveries through this lifelong journey of leaning.

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I NDUSTRY Industry for this purpose means diligence, sticking to the task. Self-improvement is not easy. Changing habits is not easy. Admitting that we need to change (both to ourselves and others) is harder still. Don’t give up when you hit a rough spot. Masonry is still new for you now, and you are enthusiastic about learning more. Be prepared for the time when change becomes tougher, when the easy changes have been made or you forget to continue the changes you made before. Keep focused on the work and avoid discouragement. Remember also that our human nature does not allow us to be perfect, but our human nature does give us the ability to observe how to make things better and change. Our faith and hope give us the comfort that we can always try again.

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P ATIENCE

Change does not happen overnight. Change requires Patience. Patient pursuit of self- improvement through Speculative Masonry does work! Speculative Masonry has been around for many years, and many men have been successful when attentive to its lessons. Keep what you are doing in perspective. Periodically reflect on

the changes you have made so far as a result of your involvement with Masonry and how those changes have improved your life and the lives of those around you. Use prior success to remind you that current problems can be solved with patience and work.

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T RUST Trust includes your confidence in the process. Successful pursuit of self-improvement through Masonry requires trust: confidence that the process will benefit you and others. It fosters Patience and helps you through the rough spots. Your confidence builds as you see success, yours and that of others, whether in the past or currently among the brothers of your lodge. Trust also includes your confidence in the ultimate goodness of the Great Architect. Your study of Geometry and its moral advantages point to the work of the Divine in the harmony of creation. Allow the certainty of that ultimate harmony increase your confidence that your work toward harmony will benefit you and those around you.

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B ALANCE

Balance is at the core of Masonry. We learn personal balance from the rule which teaches us to make time for our jobs, our families, those in need and also ourselves. The Cardinal Virtue Temperance also reminds us of personal balance as does the level. We learn to appreciate balance in the world around us by our

study of Geometry which reveals the ultimate equilibrium or harmony found in Nature. Personal balance improves our likelihood of success in our quest for self-improvement because we then have made time for observation, reflection, hypothesis and testing, requites in the self-improvement process. Our appreciation of balance as characteristic of Nature increases our confidence that our Masonic journey is headed in the right direction and will ultimately produce personal enrichment.

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P HOTOGRAPHY C REDITS

1. Pages 24-27: Photography by Dick Hixon

2. Page 34: Image from http://www.masonsmart.com/Masonic_News__ Views-fellow-craft-symbolism.html. 3. Pages 14-17, 19, 21, 37, 40, 44: Photography by Adam Kendall. All other images courtesy of the collection of the Henry W. Coil Library & Museum of Freemasonry. Artifact photography and digital reproduction by Adam Kendall.

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