Why are we called “Freemasons”?
There are many theories: a man was a Freemason because
his ancestors were not slaves nor was he a slave; he was so called because he
was free within his Guild, or free of the Guild’s laws and could thus “travel
to foreign countries” and work where he would; he was a Freemason because he
worked in freestone, which is any stone that can be cut, smoothed, carved in
any directions; he was free when he had passed his apprenticeship and became a
Fellow of the Craft; he was free when he had left the status of serf or
villein* and legally became free.
Probably, at one time or another, masons were called
Freemasons for any of these reasons or for all of them. The consensus leans to the theory that the
Freemason was such because of his skill, knowledge and abilities which set him
free of those conditions, laws, rules and customs which circumscribed masons of
lesser abilities in the building of the Cathedral.
NB
Notes/Definition
Villein - any of a class of feudal
serfs who by the 13th cent. had become freemen in their legal relations to all
except their lord, to whom they remained subject as slaves
Note that the craftsmen of the olden
times (Renaissance in
Various
Grand Lodges have “adopted” various “list of Ancient Landmarks” and thus have
given the tenets in the list the force of law in those Grand Lodges. But no Grand Lodge can make or unmake a
landmark; any more than the Congress of the
Grand Lodges
which leave landmarks undefined and unrestricted by listing seem to have a
better practice, just as those churches which do not list “the moral law”
clause by clause seem to have better grasp of what it is.
The late
great Charles C. Hunt, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, put this
point of view in a few words:
“The Masonic
conception of a landmark is fundamental law of Masonry which no body of men or
Masons can repeal. Anything that can be
adopted can be repealed. If a Grand
Lodge has power to adopt, it has the power to repeal. It is the very fact that they are unalterable
which makes the landmarks similar to scientific laws which cannot be changed or
altered by any man or body of men.”
It is
probable that all English speaking Grand Lodges will agree that at least seven
Masonic fundamentals are landmarks.
These are:
a. Monotheism, the sole dogma of
Freemasonry (one God).
b. Belief in immortality, the ultimate
lesson of Masonic philosophy
c. The Volume of the Sacred Law, an
indispensable part of the furniture of the lodge.
d. The legend of the Third Degree
e. Secrecy.
f. The symbolism of the operative art.
g. A Mason must be a freeborn male
adult.
What is meant by “Esoteric Masonry”?
The secret portion of Masonry, which is hidden
emblems, symbols, allegories, legends, and other forms of mystery, and wholly
apart from monitorial teachings
Examination of
Candidate – What is the practice of Freemasonry in this matter?
Esoteric Masonry, the ritual and ceremonies of the different
degrees of Symbolic Masonry, are conferred in emblems, symbols, allegories,
legends, and must be committed to memory by the candidate following each degree
and before advancing to the succeeding degree.
Some brother gives the candidate instructions in private. From time immemorial it has been required
that before accepting a candidate for the advancing degrees he must pass a
creditable examination on the work of the previous degree in open lodge. The necessity for an adequate comprehension
of the mysteries of each degree before passing to the succeeding degree, of
proficiency in the work through which the candidate has already passed, is
absolutely essential.
es•o•ter•ic
adj.
1 a)
intended for or understood by only a chosen few, as an inner group of disciples
or initiates (said of ideas, literature, etc.) b) beyond the understanding or knowledge of most people;
abstruse
2 confidential; private; withheld [an esoteric plan]
Opposed to exoteric
Why is the
Masonry of today called "speculative"?
The word is used in the sense that the
Masonry of today is theoretical, not practical, building; that it is a pursuit
of knowledge, not of the construction of edifices (or buildings). Speculative
masonry began with the practice of admitting to membership in operative lodges
men who were not practical builders, stonecutters, architects, etc. but who
were interested in the moral, ethical and philosophical teaching of the
Fraternity.
What distinction is
attached to this principle of “brotherly love” among Masons?
1 the ultimate
source, origin, or cause of something
2 a natural or
original tendency, faculty, or endowment
Why does Freemasonry forbid the brethren to ask their
friends to become Masons?
One of the fundamental
concepts of Freemasonry is that application for membership must be wholly a
voluntary act. A man must seek for
himself and join “of my own free will and accord.” Under no other formula can men unite brethren
of a thousand religious and political beliefs.
Under no more constricting act could Freemasonry accomplish her only end,
the building of character among
men. Men who become members of a Masonic
Lodge for any other reason that their own desires can neither receive nor give
to others the advantages of a wholly voluntary association. Freemasonry is bigger than any man; the man
must seek its blessings; it never seeks
man.
NB
Notes; Draw your attention to the last
phrase.
fun•da•men•tal adj.
1 of or forming a foundation or basis; basic;
essential [the fundamental
rules of art];
2 on which others are based; primary; original
[a fundamental type]
char•ac•ter
n.
1 a
distinctive mark; a distinctive trait, quality, or attribute; characteristic;
essential quality; nature; kind or sort; the pattern of behavior or personality
found in an individual or group; moral constitution; moral strength; self-discipline, fortitude,
etc.; a) reputation b)
good reputation [left without a shred of character]
Mason is a secret society. What
can be told and what cannot?
Masonry is not a “secret society” but a society with
secrets. A secret society is one of
which the membership, aims and ideals are unknown. There is no secret about who is, and who is
not, a Freemason. Lodges publish their
rosters. Many Grand Lodges publish the
names of their members in Annual Proceedings.
The world at large knows that the aims and ideals of Freemasonry are
religious, charitable, friendly, and fraternal.
What is secret in Freemasonry is well phrased in the
Ninth Landmark as adopted by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. “The legend of the third degree; the means of
recognition; the methods of conferring degrees; the obligation of those degrees
and the ballot of every brother are, and must continue to be, inviolably
secret.”
NB
Notes: In one of my readings, I came
across this well-phrased explanation as to the issue of secrecy or
secretiveness, etc. “In this regard, all
human groups and institutions have “secrets”, or better still, PRIVATE affairs
which for good reasons they do not wish to be made public. Families have discussion on subjects which do
not, and should not, concern their neighbors.
Governmental bodies meet behind closed doors to resolve problems
affecting the state without publicity.
Church councils convene apart from the general congregation, permitting
a more direct approach to situations demanding prompt action. … While all these are done privately –
“secretly”, if you will – this is hardly evidence that the subjects under
discussions, or resolutions made, are in any way unwholesome. Thus, if families, governmental bodies,
church councils, civic organizations, and directors of industries have private
matters which they wish to discuss away from the public, it is only reasonable
that a lodge of Freemasons should want to meet behind tiled doors while
peacefully engaged in the lawful pursuits of Freemasonry.
Why do we use "So Mote it be" instead of
"Amen"?
"So Mote It Be" are final words
in the Regius Poem. "Mote" is
old English for "may." Masons
have used the phrase since the beginning of the written history of the
Craft. Freemasonry includes many other
words, now obsolete, which bring the sanctity of age and the continuity of
ritual from ancient days to modern times.
Freemasonry’s practice has followed the ancient belief
that the world was created four thousand (4000) years before Christ; that when
God said “Let there be light” the world began.
Therefore Masons date their doings four thousand years plus the current
year, “Anno Lucis,” or “In the year of Light”.
Is there a distinction between Masonic oath and
Masonic obligation?
The “oath” is the “So help me, God” at the end of any
solemn promise made with hand upon the Book of the Law. The “obligation" is the substance of the
preceding promises. The “oath” is thus
symbolical of man’s fear of God; “obligation” signifies the promises and
agreements made preceding the oath.
Test Oath and excerpts from the WMC
I, (name), do hereby and
hereon most solemnly and sincerely swear that I have been regularly initiated
as an EAM, passed to the degree of a FCM and raised to the sublime degree of MM
in a regularly constituted Lodge of such; that I am not suspended or expelled,
and know of no reason why I should not converse Masonically with my Brethren. So help me God.
In the absence of personal avouchment, the applicant
for admittance as a visitor to a Lodge shall take the test oath and submit to
strict trial and due examination. Neither a diploma, nor a dimit, nor a
certificate of membership, nor a receipt showing payment of dues, shall be
conclusive as to the identity of the holder, nor as to his good standing in the
Fraternity. See WMC Secs. 92, 924,
925, 926, 2608.
WMC Sec.
13.09 B.L. - Admitting
Visitors.
1. 
Every Master Mason, on applying for admittance as a
visitor to a Lodge, shall exhibit either a receipt for dues or a document
showing him to be in good standing, or a dimit that was issued within the
previous three years. Such documents shall not be conclusive as to the identity
of the holder, who must provide additional evidence of his identity,
2. A Lodge must be satisfied as to the good Masonic
standing of an applicant for admission and as to the regularity of the Lodge
from which he hails. A Lodge becoming satisfied as to the identity of a visitor
and the genuineness and regularity of his documentation shall require
additionally, either:
A.
The personal
avouchment by a Brother knowing him to be in good Masonic standing and having
met him in open Lodge (examination by a Brother outside of Lodge is not
sufficient), or
B.
That he shall
take the Test Oath and submit to a strict trial and due examination by a
committee appointed by the Master.
A Mason who has been
unaffiliated for more than three years shall not be permitted to visit a Lodge
in this Jurisdiction, unless, in an exceptional case, he shall have received
written permission from the Master of the Lodge to attend the Lodge for a
period not to exceed six months.
WMC Sec.13.10 B.L. - Objection to
Visitor.
The privilege of a Mason to visit a
Lodge other than his own is subject to the right of any member thereof to
object to his admittance. Such member shall not be required to state his reason
for the objection. The objection shall hold good only during the communication
at which it is made and while the objector is present.
Several word pairs in Masonic rituals make interesting
studies: “duly and truly,” “worthy and
well-qualified,” “free will and accord,”
“parts and points,” “hele and conceal.”
At first glance it may seem that these are so arranged only for
emphasis. In the Middle English writing,
especially in the 13th and 14th centuries, when
Freemasonry was in the process of formation,
The apparent redundancy of expression in a number of
places in Masonic ritual may be traced back to these Middle Ages. The perpetuation of such usage now, when
clarity of thought and understanding might be served as well with one word, is
one of many proofs that Freemasonry delights to cling to the ancient and
venerated because it is venerated and ancient.
re•dun•dant
adj. - more
than enough; overabundant; excess; superfluous; 2 using more words than are needed; wordy
ac•cord
vt. 1 vt.
to make agree or harmonize; reconcile; 2. vi. to
be in agreement or harmony (with)
Why do Masons wear aprons? What does “properly clothed”
mean?
The use of the apron is extremely old, not, as with
the operative Masons, as a protector of clothing and body against tools and
stone, but as a badge of honor. It was
so used by the priest of
The material of the Masonic apron - lambskin - is a
symbol of innocence, as the lamb has always been. Color and material are important in its
symbolism but Masonry admits the “symbol of the symbol” – as, for instance, an
electric light in place of a candle.
Hence, a Mason has more than once been “properly clothed” when the
lambskin aprons of the lodge were all in use and he came through the tiled door
clad in a white handkerchief!
Note: I was unable to find in the
WMC a section specific to the regular white apron we use in our tyled meetings. Unless a brother knows, please let me
know. Section. 15.10 hereunder is the
closest I can find.
WMC Sec. 15.10 B.L.
Jewels and Aprons.,
The officers’ aprons shall be white and should be of
lambskin, fourteen inches wide and twelve inches deep, and may have sky-blue
lining and edging, with the respective emblems thereon. Rev. 1992
WMC Sec.
13.07 B.L. Public Appearance as Masons.
A Lodge or Mason may appear in public in Masonic
clothing to attend a Masonic funeral service, when escorting the Masonic Float
in parades, at meetings of the International Order of Job's Daughters, the
International Order of Rainbow for Girls, or the Order of DeMolay. A Lodge or
Mason may not otherwise appear publicly in Masonic clothing without the consent
of the Grand Master.
The occasions for which the
Grand Master may consider granting a dispensation for Masons or Lodges to
appear publicly in Masonic clothing are:
1. A strictly Masonic occasion,
2. To attend divine services,
3. The performance of Masonic duty, ceremony, or custom,
4. To take part in a community patriotic, historical, or
educational event; and
5. To take part in a community parade. Rev.1998
It is am emblem of innocence and the badge of a
Mason. More ancient than the Golden
Fleece or the Roman Eagle, more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any
distinction that can be conferred upon you, at this or any future period, by
King, Prince, Potentate or any other person.
It may be that in the coming years, upon your head
shall rest the laurel wreath of victory, upon your breast may hang jewels fit
to grace the diadem of an eastern potentate; nay more than these, with light
added to coming light, your ambitious feet may tread round after round the
ladder that leads to fame in our mystic circle and even the purple of our
Fraternity may rest upon your honored shoulder.
But never again from mortal hands, never again until
your enfranchised spirit shall have passed upward and inward through the pearly
gates shall any honor so distinguished, so emblematical of purity and all
perfections, be bestowed upon you as this which I now confer.
It is yours - your name is written upon it - yours to
wear throughout an honorable life and at your death be placed upon the coffin
which shall contain your earthly remains and with them laid beneath the silent
clods of the valley.
Let its pure and spotless surface be to you an
ever-present reminder of an emblematical or unblemished purity of life and
rectitude of conduct, a never-ending argument for nobler deeds, for higher
thoughts, for purer actions, and for greater achievements. And when at last your weary feet shall have
come to the end of their toilsome journey, and from your nerveless grasp shall
drop forever the working tools of life, may the record of your life and actions
be as pure and spotless as this fair emblem which I now place in your hands (hand its).
And when your trembling soul shall stand naked and
alone before the Great White Throne, there to receive judgment for the deeds
done while in the body, may it be your portion to hear from Him who sitteth as
the Judge Supreme, the welcome words “Well done thou good and faithful servant
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
It is hoped, my Brother, that you will wear that apron
with pleasure to your self and honor to the Fraternity.
Apron Lecture Interpretation Part 1
The apron is said to more ancient and honorable than
certain orders and decorations. The Order of the Golden Fleece was founded by
Philip, Duke of Burgundy in 1429.
The Roman Eagle was
Aver
- to
declare to be true; state positively; affirm
Apron Lecture Interpretation Part 2
Symbol of honorable labor. The material of the Masonic apron – lambskin
– is the symbol of innocence, as the lamb has always been. But for “innocence” do not read
“ignorant”. The word describes those who
do no injury to others, not those to whom injury maybe done because they know
little.
There is special symbolism in the different ways in
which Freemasons are taught to wear their aprons, emblematic of a progress from
darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge.
The use of the apron is extremely old, not, as with
operative Masons, as a protector of clothing and body against tools and stone,
but as a badge of honor. It was so used
by the priest of
Color and material are important in its symbolism but
Masonry admits the “symbol of the symbol” – as for instance, and electric light
in place of a candle. Hence a Mason has
ore than once been “properly clothed” when the lambskin aprons of the lodge
were all in use and he came through the tiled door clad in a white
handkerchief!
How is a man made a Mason at sight?
The Grand Master calls into existence an emergent
lodge under temporary dispensation, which lodge then confers the three degrees,
usually in short form, and usually all three degrees in one consecutive period,
upon the man selected for the honor by the Grand Master. Most Grand Lodges admit the right of a Grand
Master to do this; a few specifically forbid his doing so; one recognizes the
right and frowns upon its use. The
objection to the act are two: first, he
who seeks Masonry of his own free will and accord honors himself and not the
Order by his application; masonry need seek no candidate; second, the general
belief that every Mason should pass the ballot of his fellows and not be picked
by authority as beyond and above the requirement.
The ceremonies of “making a Mason at sight” are less
and less often performed as the years bring a better perspective upon the
practice.
A Mason is said to demit from his lodge when he
withdraws his membership; the demit (also spelled dimit in some jurisdictions)
is a document granted by the Lodge which certifies that dismission has been accepted by the Lodge, and that the demitting
brother is clear of the books and is in good standing as a Mason. The usual object in applying for a demit is
to enable the brother to join some other Lodge, into which he can not be
admitted without some evidence that he was in good standing in his former
lodge.
Permission given a member to terminate his membership;
the paper representing that permission.
In nearly all Grand Jurisdictions obtaining a dimit is a formality; a
lodge is obliged to grant a dimit to him who asks it, provided he is in good
standing and no charges have been or are about to be preferred against
him, The theory is that the joined his
lodge of his own free will and accord he should have the right to leave it in
the same way. In some Grand
Jurisdictions a member may receive a dimity only to join another lodge, or to
remove from his Grand Jurisdiction to another.
Can
a man renounce Masonry?
For reasons which may or may not be justifiable a man
may sever his connection with a
Masonic Lodge; but it is utterly impossible for any Mason who has been honest
and understanding in accepting the Rites of Freemasonry to repudiate his Masonic Obligations.
Nor can any man, in all good conscience with himself, toward man, and
toward God, denounce the principles,
tenets, symbolic instructions, inner workings, and uplifting benedictions of
Freemasonry, once he fully understood Freemasonry and fully assimilated its
teachings.
re•pu•di•ate
vt.
1 to refuse to have anything to do with;
disown or cast off publicly; 2 a) to refuse to accept or support;
deny the validity or authority of (a belief, a treaty, etc.) b) to deny the truth of (a charge,
etc.)
re•nounce
de•nounce
vt.
1 to accuse publicly; inform against ; 2 to
condemn strongly as evil
Unworthy Members – What is to be said of
them?
We are forced to admit that there are men in the
Masonic Order whose characters and lives reflect no credit upon the
Institution, whose hearts are untouched by its sublime moral and religious
teaching, and to whom Masonry means nothing in its higher and nobler aims and
purpose. They are in the
Is Freemasonry a religion or has it a
religion?
No to both questions. “A” religion connotes some particular
religion. Freemasonry is
nonsectarian. Before its altar
Christian, Jew, Mohammedan, Buddhist, Gentile, Confucian may kneel together. If the question be phrased "is
Freemasonry religious" then the obvious answer is that an institution
"erected to God" which begins its ceremonies and ends its meeting
with prayer; which has a Holy Book upon its Altar; which preaches the
fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, of course has a religious
character, although. let it be emphasized again, wholly nonsectarian. All Grand
Lodges require their initiates to express a belief and trust in God. No atheist can be made a Mason.
NB's
Opinion: The focal point of a tyled
(tiled) lodge is the Masonic Altar with the "Volume of the Sacred
Law". This is the more appropriate
term to use when explaining this issue to the uninitiated. Be conscious and sensitive to the
non-Christian brethren (or to a future brother). We refer to one Great Light as the Holy
Bible. Yes... for predominantly
Christian countries. Remember though,
that we have brothers from the Islam, Judaic and other faiths.
Why are discussions of politics and religion forbidden in lodge?
The prohibition goes back to the early history of the
Fraternity. It is written in the second
paragraph of the sixth “Old Charge” (Behavior after the Lodge is over and the
Brethren not gone); “No private Piques or Quarrels must be brought within the
Door of the Lodge, far less any Quarrels about Religion or Nations, or State
policy, we being only, as Masons, of the Catholick Religion above-mentioned; we
are also of all Nations, Toungues, Kindreds, and Languages, and are resolved
against all Politicks as what never yet conduc’d to the Welfare of the Lodge,
nor ever will. This Charge has been
always strictly enjoin’d and observ’d, but especially since the Reformation in
Freemasons today hold that the Old Charge prohibits
lodge discussions of politics in the sense of partisan politics and religion in
the sense of sectarian religion.
The
Trestleboard - Symbol of moral law.
As one of the
“movable jewels” of a lodge it is considered with the rough and perfect
ashlars. The trestleboard is that on
which the Master draws his design, from which the perfect ashlar is made from
the rough, and later, built into walls to construct the temple. By analogy, the trestleboard of the
Speculative Masons is that on which he draws the designs for his character and
spiritual growth; in other words, lays down his moral law. (From the “Pocket
Encyclopedia of Masonic Symbols).
“Ritual is important!
Our ceremonial rituals teach us of the history, heritage, and the
principle and tenets of our Masonic Brotherhood. They inform us of our duties and obligations
as men and as Masons. To strive to
execute the rituals correctly, to cross the “Ts” and dot the “Is” in every case
also teaches discipline, the discipline we need in every aspect of our lives to
be God-fearing, God-serving men and Masons.
No doubt, correctly executed ritual is impressive and absolutely
necessary to impart the lessons it is to teach, especially to our candidates
for membership.
The learning of the rituals of the degrees and orders
require study and experience. Sessions
and/or meetings to study and practice the rituals afford, in my opinion, an
excellent time for the fellowship that strengthens our brotherhood, and it is
an excellent time to grow our understanding and knowledge of who we are as a
fraternity, where we came from, and what our purposes are. Also, and of prime importance, the ability to
correctly confer ritual rightfully adds to the pride we have as members of our
Masonic organizations.
The preparation for a monthly meeting to study and
practice the ritual of a Commandery Order or any degree or order requires
relatively little work. The operative
word here is “relatively.” Schedule the
meeting, arrange for inspectors and instructors, announce it, spread the word
(talk it up), arrange for light refreshments, and then DO IT, and do it
regularly. Participate. You and your fratres will like it.”…
It is an emblem that acts as an outward visible pledge
of submission and fidelity. It is the
symbol of a vow to assist another, particularly a Brother, even at the
judicious risk of one’s life. Upon what
does the strength and length of the cabletow depend?
The strength and length of the cabletow depends upon
one’s ability to fulfill his obligations.
The cabletow, in effect, is a test of one’s character and his capacity
to love.
How long is the cabletow? The cabletow is as long as one wants to
be. It will reach as far as one’s moral
principles go, or one’s material conditions allow. Each Freemason must judge the length of his
cabletow. But if the cord of every
Freemason’s cabletow were tied around the world, no earthly power could break
the bond of brotherhood.
The cabletow, the symbolizes the Mystic Tie that binds
Craftsmen together – the tie that keeps Freemasonry a house undivided.
NB
Notes: This was excerpted from “The
Cabletow” publication of the MWGLP
St. John the
Baptist: why is he one of the patrons of Freemasonry?
The firm integrity of Saint John the Baptist, which
induced him to forego every minor consideration in discharging the obligations
he owed God; the unselfish firmness with which he met martrydom rather than
betray his duty to his Master; his steady reproval of vice, and continued
preaching of repentance and virtue, make him a firm patron of the Masonic
Institution. His festival is celebrated
on the 24th of June.
St. John the Evangelist: why is he one of
the patrons of Freemasonry?
The constant admonition of this Apostle, in his
epistles, to the cultivation of brotherly love, and the mystic nature of his
Apocalyptic visions, sometimes similar to the mystic communications of
Freemasonry, are reasons for his veneration among Masons and for adopting him
as a worthy patron. His festival is on
the 27th of December.
Why do we call our leader the Worshipful
Master?
Few Masonic matters are less understood by the
non-Masonic public than this. The word
“worchyppe” or “worchyp” is Old English and means “greatly respected.” In the Wyclliffe Bible “Honor thy father and
thy mother “ appears as “Worschyp thy fadir and thy modir.” English and Canadian mayors are still
addressed “Your Worship.” In some of the
Old Constitutions of Masonry is the phrase “Every Mason shall prefer his elder
and put him to worship.”
“Worshipful”
therefore in modern Masonry continues an ancient word meaning “greatly
respected.” A Grand Master is “Most
Worshipful”, that is “Most greatly respected” (Except in
Why are Past Master’s compasses, in
his jewel, open at 60 degrees on a quadrant instead of on a square?
The
compasses open sixty degrees are in easy position to construct a square. The Master has worn the square while he presided;
now, as Past Master, he is supposed to being possession of the knowledge
necessary to make a square, hence the position of the compasses and the
quadrant.
The jewels of a Past Master and of
the officers of a Lodge are:
Past Master – the Blazing Sun within
the compasses extended on a Quadrant.
Working Tools: How do meet, act
and part?
Further information can be obtained of the working
tools of a Fellowcraft Mason. It is
half revealed and half concealed in the association of the level with the
Senior Warden, the plumb with the Junior Warden and the square with the Master,
particularly in the ceremonies of closing the lodge.
In a lodge, all brethren meet on the level of exact
equality which is not concerned with brains, or education, or wealth or
position, men are equal in a lodge in manhood and in Masonic right and Masonic
character. We meet on the level means
just what it says; Masons trust each other because they are, Masonically on the
level with each other.
We “act by the plumb” in accord with Amos VII – the
plumb line God said He would place “in the midst of my people
To “part upon the square” signifies that while a
square points in different directions, and men “part” to go each his own way,
it is a known way, not a devious way, a wrong way, a bad way, but a “square”
way. The Mason who goes his own way, so
it is the square way, is never alone, even if out of sight oh his lodge and his
brethren.
The square is the fundamental tool of the operative
Mason; without its use no building would stand.
It is the fundamental tool of the Speculative Mason; without square
thoughts and actions, no spiritual building can stand.
Explain further the Working Tools of a
FC.
Further information can be obtained of the
working tools of a Fellowcraft Mason.
It is half revealed and half concealed in the association of the level
with the Senior Warden, the plumb with the Junior Warden and the square with
the Master, particularly in the ceremonies of closing the lodge.
In a lodge, all brethren meet on the level
of exact equality which is not concerned with brains, or education, or wealth
or position, men are equal in a lodge in manhood and in Masonic right and
Masonic character. We meet on the level
means just what it says; Masons trust each other because they are, Masonically
on the level with each other.
We “act by the plumb” in accord with Amos
VII – the plumb line God said He would place “in the midst of my people
To “part upon the square” signifies that
while a square points in different directions, and men “part” to go each his
own way, it is a known way, not a devious way, a wrong way, a bad way, but a
“square” way. The Mason who goes his own
way, so it is the square way, is never alone, even if out of sight oh his lodge
and his brethren.
The square is the fundamental tool of the
operative Mason; without its use no building would stand. It is the fundamental tool of the Speculative
Mason; without square thoughts and actions, no spiritual building can stand.
Note: Some readings state that the square is an
angle of 90 degrees or a right angle.
Using this tool, Masons therefore must act righteously or according to
what is right. This is the only angle
for stones which are to build a perpendicular and stable wall.
Note:
Some readings state that the square is an angle of 90 degrees or a right
angle. Using this tool, Masons therefore
must act righteously or according to what is right. This is the only angle for stones which are
to build a perpendicular and stable wall.
Point Within a Circle (What will
you be tried?)
Ritualistically, a symbol of control of conduct; a
standard of right living. The symbol has
an extreme antiquity. Early Egyptian
monuments are carved with Alpha and Omega or the symbol of God in the center of
a circle embroidered by two upright parallel perpendicular serpents,
representing power and wisdom of the Creator.
The symbol apparently came into Masonry from an operative practice,
known to but a few Master Workmen on cathedrals and great buildings.
Any schools boys knows it now: put a dot in a circle anywhere; draw a
straight line across the circle through its center; connect the dot with the
points at which the line through the center cuts the circle; the result is a
perfect square..
This was the Operative Masters great secret – knowing
how to “try a square.” It was by this
that he tested the working tools of the Fellows of the Craft; did he do so
often enough, it was impossible either for their tools or their work “to
materially err.” From this, also comes
the ritual used in the lodges of our English brethren, where they “open on the
center.” American lodges know the
“center” only as the point within a circle.
The original line across the center has been shifted to the side and
become the “two perpendicular parallel lines” of Egypt and India and our
admonitions are no longer what they must once have been; …”while a Mason
circumscribes his square within the these points, it is impossible that it
should materially err.”
Ascribing the lines to the Holy Saints John and
putting the Great Light on top are modernisms, carrying out the ritualistic
symbolism while neglecting that of the original meaning of the point within the
circle; that of a means of making working tools correct in angle, to the end
that stones and building might be square, level and plumb.
No Grand Lodge has legislated upon the subject except
Some authorities think of temperance, fortitude,
prudence and justice only as moral principles, the use of which is Masonically
taught. The consensus, however, is that
they are symbolic in that their meanings can be extended beyond mere
definitions. Thus temperance, usually
taken to mean care in use of stimulants, Masonically means more, just as it did
to Socrates, hundreds of years before it was woven into Freemasonry. Temperance means caution in action, speech,
thought, feeling, judgment, life and living.
Fortitude implies physical bravery, but Masonically, moral courage far
more than physical. Prudence is not only
selfish determination of “what is good for me” but use of common sense, reason,
logic, in meeting a problem. Justice, a
civic concept, is
Masonically allied with that with which it cannot
really exist-mercy. Justice is a strict
interpretation of the law which is an expression of the greatest good to the
greatest number. Mercy is actually a
tampering with, as well as a tempering of justice and implies that in special
cases justice is insufficient. This
moral dilemma of philosophy is not indicated ritualistically, but is implied by
the fact that the first three cardinal virtues do have symbolic as well as a
moral meaning.
Why do brethren not pass
between the Altar and the East when lodge is at labor?
Brethren do not pass between the Altar and
the East in a Masonic lodge at labor (except in a degree) because the Master is
supposed to have the Great Lights constantly in view. In theory, at least, he
draws inspiration from the Altar to preside over the lodge and must not,
therefore, be prevented from seeing it at any time.
The custom is but a
pretty courtesy, but it is rooted in a fundamental conception of the Craft - that
the Altar is the center of Masonry, and that from it and from the Great Lights
it bears, flow all that there is of Masonic inspiration and truth and
light. English lodges do not have this
problem, since in them a pedestal near the Master is the Altar on which lies
the Holy Book.
Why do we
walk around the Altar so much in the degrees?
Circumambulation is walking around a
central point. In Masonic initiations it is always clockwise from East to West
by way of South; like so many symbols, the ritualistic explanation does not
explain; except with the most elementary reasons. During this part of a degree,
members of a lodge observe that a candidate is properly prepared, but
circumambulation is far older than initiations. To primitive man, the sun was
God. The sun traveled from East to West by way of the South. Hence, early man
circled his stone altar on which was his imitation of the sun-fire-from East to
West by way of the South, in humble imitation of the god in the sky.
Circumambulation is one of many concealed
symbols of a Great Architect. In those
rituals in which in a certain part of the Master’s degree the circumambulation
is in the reverse direction, Freemasonry imitates the ancient ceremony
signifying death.
Why is it un-Masonic to disclose how one has balloted?
In all jurisdictions the ballot on
candidates is secret and inviolable. It
is considered un-Masonic, and in most Grand Jurisdictions is against Masonic
law, for any brother to divulge how he has balloted or will ballot on any
candidate. Masters are instructed
strictly to adhere to this requirement.
Peace and harmony are the foundations of all Masonic meetings. For Brother A to learn that Brother B has
balloted or will ballot against his friend would, disrupt that peace and
harmony. The rejection of a candidate is
a blow to him who has applied. If
everyone knew who had cast the black cube, the rejected man might speedily
learn, and cause of friction in the profane world would then have come out of a
Masonic lodge.
A ballot is sometimes immediately retaken,
because the appearance of a single black cube may be an error; the cube may
have been cast by mistake. If the single
black cube appears the second time, presumably it was intentionally cast.
Ballots differ in different
Jurisdictions. In some, a “collective
ballot” may be taken on several candidates at once; if a black cube appears,
each name is then balloted on separately.
In others, a “multiple ballot box” is used, with, a compartment for each
name, which is printed above it. In
still others, each name is balloted on separately from the beginning. In most Grand Jurisdictions, one ballot
elects to all three degrees. In some, a
separate ballot is taken for each degree, and in one, at least, still another ballot
on “moral qualifications.” But in all
Grand Jurisdictions, ballots are secret, inviolable and regarded as a
cornerstone on which the fraternity is erected.
Why cannot a lodge adjourn
and then reconvene?
The adjournment of any meeting is an act following a
motion by some member of the group. No
Master can give the power of termination of a meeting to any member, or to the
lodge as a whole, without sacrifice of his power to control the lodge. Any Masonic lodge must be in one of three
states: closed, open and at work, or at refreshment. It is universally law that
an open lodge must be closed before the brethren depart, otherwise a
“reconvening of an open lodge” at some future date might work an injustice to
some brother interested in lodge legislation, who could not be present at the
“reconvened adjourned” meeting. The
fundamental reason for “no adjournment” is found in the fact that the Master’s
power to control, which means opening and closing his lodge at his pleasure
(but always within the opening time set by the by-laws), cannot be abrogated by
a member or by the lodge as a whole.
Notes: Lodge
Officers Handbook (pages 1-14) of the jurisdiction states: Remember that the Lodge is either open and at
labor, open and at refreshment and open and off-session, or closed (WMC
17.08). The term “at ease” is not
recognized. (see Washington Monitor and
Freemason’s Guide pages 14-15, 14-19,
15-2)
(a) Off session - a condition of the lodge open and at
labor with the three Greats Lights, Lesser Lights and other Jewels displayed in
the usual and customary manner which allows for attending a public ceremony
and/or the admission of non-Masons into the Lodge room while the Lodge is at
Labor. Reference WMC Sec. 13.05
(b) Free from restraint - This direction is used at those
times when the business of the Lodge is interrupted for a short conference or
the setting up of paraphernalia. The
Master remains in charge of the Lodge.
The brethren do not leave the room without permission.
(c) Refreshment - Junior Warden is in charge of the
brethren. His column is up; the Senior
Warden’s down. The Great Lights are
closed; the Lesser extinguished. The
brethren may enter or leave the Lodge room without permission. Must be purged before labor is resumed.
(d) At ease - “The lodge will be at ease.” This expression SHOULD NOT be used.
Explain the
meaning of the allusions in the
12th Chapter of Ecclesiastes.
Of the two favorite interpretations of
Biblical commentators one makes this dramatic passage a description of, old age
and senile decay; the other, reference to the seldom experienced and much
feared thunderstorm in
Verses
1, 2: The darkening of light and luminaries refers to coming blindness or
extreme near-sightedness and the clouds
which return after the rain to a continuation of poor sight after much
weeping.
Verse 3: The keepers of the house are the hands which
tremble with palsy in old age. The strong men are the legs which become, bowed
with the years. The grinders which cease
when they are few are the teeth, and those that look out of the windows are,
poetically, the eyes.
Verse 4: The doors are the ears which grow deaf in
age and can no longer hear the sound of grinding of grain in the little stone
mills which the women use. To rise up at
the voice of a bird may signify either the light sleep of age easily
interrupted by any slight sound, or the nervousness which is so extreme in some
old men that they start at any little noise.
The daughters of music are the vocal cords which lose their timbre in
age; hence, the cracked voice of senility.
Verse 5: The old man fears any height, knowing his
brittle bones will stand no fall. He is
timid, as he has no strength with which to defend himself. The almond tree blossoms white, like an old
man's hair. Any little weight, even a
grasshopper, is too much a burden for extreme age to carry. The old have no
desires. The long home is the grave, in anticipation of which the mourners go
about the streets.
Verse 6: The silver cord is the spinal cord; the
golden bowl is the brain, the pitcher broken at the fountain a failing heart,
and the wheel broken at .the cistern the kidneys, bladder and prostate gland,
'all of which give trouble to old men.
Whether or not the writer possessed a sufficient knowledge of anatomy to
symbolize parts of the body as the “silver cord,” the "golden bowl”; “the
pitcher, the wheel broken at the cistern” is so problematical that much
skepticism of this interpretation has been expressed.
The storm interpretation is not open to
this objection and certainly it is far more in keeping with the magnificent
poetry of the words.
Think of a windy day, with clouds and
rain; towards evening it begins to clear, but the heavens turn black again as
the “clouds return after the rain”. This
was a signal for caution if not for terror in
Here the admonition is to remember the
Creator before the terror of death, which is worse than the terror of the
storm. The rich man with his golden
water bowl hung from a silver chain must fear it. The poor man with his earthen pitcher who
must send his women to the well for water was in terror. Even the man strong and rough as the crude
wooden wheel which drew the-skin bucket to the top of the well shook with
fear. Death is the same for all and it
is feared alike by all.
End of Document
Sources:
101 Questions About Freemasonry;
Washington Masonic Code; Lodge
Officer’s Handbook; The Washington
Monitor and Freemason’s Guide; Masonic
Edition of the King James Version of the Holy Bible; The Cabletow - a publication of the MWGL of
F&AM of the Phil..