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Freedom, Fervency and Zeal - Chalk, Charcoal and Clay.
submitted by Steve Grant

The symbolism relating to Freedom Fervency and Zeal in our lectures today can also be found in the earliest known records of degree work in the eighteenth century. These three qualities of the Entered Apprentice are said to distinguish the servitude of the Apprentice:i The word 'Servitude' being used here is, to me, interesting especially when we explore the meaning of the three C's.

The first C: Chalk = Freedom. Okay, servitude and why it's interesting to me. One definition of freedom is to be a state of exemption from the control or power of another. Another definition would be not bound or not in any captivity; it is a rule in Freemasonry that no man can be initiated into any degree of Freemasonry who is at that time restrained or deprived of any of his liberties.

So servitude as it is used by Brother Mackey does not mean the Apprentice is in any respect in the position of being deprived of his freedom as a bondsman, serf or slave. As far as Freedom, Fervency and Zeal are concerned it means that the Apprentice's work should be done freely and in Freedom; meaning willingly, generously, readily and without restraint. So the word freedom is not taken in this part of the ritual as meaning liberty. It is, rather, meant in the earlier Anglo-Saxon meaning of frankness and a generous willingness to work or perform one's duty.

The second C: Charcoal = Fervency. As Charcoal symbolizes Fervency the Apprentice will show his fervency in his warmth, friendliness and earnestness, in his eagerness and willingness to learn the lessons of Freemasonry and in his willingness to help his Lodge as opportunities arise. A quality of Charcoal is also durability; it is so resistant and enduring that from the time when no man remembers when, surveyors would place a shovel full of Charcoal near a place or other marker, so that if the landmark were to be removed the charcoal would remain there for centuries until it is dug up by another surveyor. Charcoal will not be consumed or cease to exist until it has a source of oxygen and has been touched by fire. When applying the symbolism of Charcoal to the Mason - his devotion to duty, his willingness and eagerness, his fervor for learning and working in Freemasonry will not be short lived.

The Third C: Clay = Zeal. Clay is an interesting symbol to represent Zeal, because Zeal is represented by enthusiasm, diligence and an ardent affection.

So to be zealous means to be ardently active, devoted and diligent in devotion to a task, or in this case to the fraternity. Clay is also interesting to me because, if you have ever tried farming or gardening in clay soil you know how ardent you need to be in working clay ground. Clay in this case represents mother earth which is always employed for man's use. This also reminds me of the use each freemason can be to the Craft, and also to each other as friends and Brothers.