FOR THE USE OF THE FELLOWCRAFT
GRAND LODGE A.F. & A.M. OF CANADA IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO
1960

THE SECOND STEP

To BE PRESENTED TO THE RECIPIENT OF THE FELLOWCRAFT DEGREE

You have now been "passed" to the FellowCraft Degree, and you will realize
the necessity for the preparation and the study necessary to fit you for this
Second Step.  Advancement requires further memorization and study and
a similar lapse of time before you proceed.

THE FELLOWCRAFT DEGREE

The late M.W. Bro. W.S. Herrington, a great student of Freemasonry,
prepared an essay on, "The Origin of the Fellowcraft Degree," and it is well
worth your attention.

There is no official record of the first Grand Lodge of England for about six
years subsequent to its formation in 1717.  However, in 1723 two degrees,
the Entered Apprentice, and the Master or Fellowcraft were recognized and
practised.  By 1731 another degree had been generally introduced and
these three degrees have continued in practically the same form as we
have them today.

"The term 'fellowcraft' in Freemasonry is simply an abbreviation for
fellowcraftsman.  In the light of the foregoing we might venture, for our
present purpose, to define fellowcrafts as intimate companions, all standing
on the same footing, engaged in an occupation in which they have a
community of interest and which calls for a high degree of skill."

Before the Operative Mason could attain the rank of a fellowcraft, he must
have served a full term of apprenticeship, usually extending over a period
of seven years. On the completion of this term he was subjected to a rigid
examination.  The supreme test was the execution, in the presence of
master workmen, of a piece of work known as the "Master's piece".  If the
ballot, passed to determine whether or not the task was performed to the
satisfaction of the members present, was favourable, the entered apprentice
was admitted to full fellowship and the rank of Master.  The two terms
"Fellowcraft " and "Master Mason" were synonymous. "Master Mason" does
not appear in the Ancient Charges, and when "Master" appears therein it
refers to the master, or ruler, of the Lodge.

It is generally admitted that Modern Freemasonry was connected with and
perhaps originated from the Guilds which were various associations of
workmen employed in the building of cathedrals.  These Guilds were
composed of Operative Masons.  Later, others were admitted as
Speculative or Accepted Masons although they were not necessarily
familiar with the building trades.

It was some time after the admission of these brethren that the original two
categories of workmen, entered apprentices and fellowcrafts, were
expanded into the three degrees of the present Freemasonry.

The Fellowcraft Degree must not be considered as inferior to any other step
or as an intermediate step to something higher and better.  It is an integral
part of Masonic teaching and philosophy. It represents the Manhood phase
in the various stages of life.

YOUR ENTRANCE

Your preparation was somewhat different from that of the former degree,
and your reception emphasized square-dealing and recognition of limits in
your conduct towards others.  Prayer for a continuance of guidance and
direction was an essential factor.

Your journey was somewhat longer but you were able to see and
appreciate the difficulties and trials.  You had previously been instructed on
the basic principles of a virtuous life and you were now made aware of
additional requisites for the development of manhood.  You were obligated
to act as a faithful craftsman, to respond promptly to the calls of duty, and
to continue to exercise the virtues previously inculcated.

MORAL AND SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTION

The necessities of life were emphasized, - corn, water, oil and wine as
essential wages for the Entered Apprentice, but the fellowcraft received
"specie", which was gold or silver, the regular coin of the country.  These
rewards were provided in return for work accomplished.

Corn refers to grain in general and included such cereals as wheat and
barley.  Wine was the common beverage in countries where the grape
flourished.  Water was generally scarce and was largely used for ablutions
and purifications during religious rites and ceremonies.  Oil was commonly
used in baking and for anointing the body - especially effective in those
areas of intense heat and dryness.

Education was emphasized as research into the hidden mysteries of nature
and science.  The dignity of labour, physical, intellectual, and moral was
symbolized frequently, an admonition which does not come amiss in the
present day.

The spiritual aspects of life were not neglected.  The pillars at the entrance
to the Temple were ornamented with network, lily-work, and pomegranates.
The great teachings of unity of purpose, purity of life and conduct, and
plenty, or abundance of Divine Grace, were suggested.  With the study and
application of these truths, the difficulties, symbolized by the winding stairs,
were surmounted and entrance to the middle chamber was obtained.  Here
reverence and homage were due the Divine Being and quiet meditation and
reflection were encouraged.

Thus, in the teachings of this degree, work for the improvement of one's
self, unity and cooperation with others, and spiritual relationships with the
Divine are essential in one's progress through Manhood.

NECESSITY FOR STUDY AND EFFORT

The foregoing instructions were pointed out through sacred story and
symbolic references and emphasize some of the necessities in progress
towards perfection.
  
Other aids and references were mentioned.  The tools of the fellowcraft for
his labours on the Temple were the square, the level, and the plumb.  In
the Spiritual Temple these represent morality, equality, and justness and
uprightness of life.  The practice of these qualities with the basic
fundamental virtues acquired in youth, enable one to proceed satisfactorily
through middle life.

The search for Truth is emphasized and the necessity for study.  The
original seven liberal arts and sciences - grammar, logic, rhetoric,
arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy - are recommended for study.
It is now generally, recognized that these original subjects have been
expanded into many more fields of research.  It should be remembered that
increased knowledge brings increased duty and responsibility.

THE RECAPITULATION

The charge from the Book of Constitution should be carefully studied.

The internal qualifications are most highly regarded; the duties of a
Freemason are recalled; study is recommended; a proper behaviour is to
be desired; obedience to laws and regulations is urged; the expression of
sentiments and opinions is offered as a method of improvement; the
encouragement of industry, and the rewarding of merit are highly praised;
and a generous attitude towards the wants and necessities of others, even
to the consideration of "their interests as inseparable from your own", is
extolled as a duty.

The general teaching of the degree from the moral viewpoint is the exercise
of the Golden Rule, - "Do unto others as you would that they should do
unto you!"


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