NOTE: The following is part of a series of 3 booklets entitled A 
Basic Masonic Education Course. This course was created by the Grand 
Lodge of California in 1991 for use by candidates as they advance 
through the three symbolic degrees. Interested non-Masons are encouraged 
to read the material in order to gain a better understanding of the 
Masonic Fraternity. To quote one of our more illustrious Masons, Brother 
Alfred Sawyer, It would be well if we could learn more of what Masonry 
is than what some think it was. 

When the Masonic Education Course was first published, a set of three 
booklets were printed, one for each degree. There is a set of questions 
and answers that were printed for each booklet.

Please remember that some of the information contained in the booklets 
may be specific to the Jurisdiction of California and might not apply to 
other Jurisdictions. This would primarily apply to those parts dealing 
with Masonic Law and procedure.  Some differences in ritual may also be 
noted. Should any Grand Jurisdiction or other Masonic body choose to 
adopt any or part of this program, it would be appreciated it a letter 
indicating such intended use or a courtesy copy of the reprinted 
material be sent to the Grand Lodge of California. 

  Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of California
  1111 California Street
  San Francisco, CA. 94108

Please notice that special care was taken in structuring this file in a 
manner suitable for a majority of personal computers i.e. DOS, Windows, 
Apple etc.. All original tabs, text justification and other desk top 
publishing features normally seen in documents was removed.

This information has been made available on the Masonry Forum, 
CompuServe by William N. Wine #72435,1512. Bill is a Past Master of Mt. 
Diablo No. 448, Concord, California and a member of the Masonic 
Education Committee, Grand Lodge of California. (March 1994)


------------------------------------------------------------------------


IT WOULD BE WELL IF WE COULD
LEARN MORE OF WHAT MASONRY IS
THAN WHAT SOME THINK IT WAS.
       Alfred Sawyer


A Basic Masonic Education Course


This manual does not disclose any of the esoteric portions of the ritual 
of the Grand Lodge. The contents of this manual therefore maybe 
discussed with, and read by, any person interested in acquiring 
knowledge regarding Freemasonry.

Masonic organizations are invited to reproduce, extract, copy or reprint 
the contents of this book, providing that the Masonic Education Group of 
the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of California be provided 
with courtesy copies of the reprinted material.


Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of California
1111 California Street
San Francisco, CA. 94108


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE FELLOWCRAFT DEGREE

Symbolism of the Degree                     1 
Evolution from Operative to Speculative     1
 
The Basic Teachings of the Second Degree    2 
The Preparation                             2 
The Reception                               2 
The Cable-Tow                               2 
The Obligation                              2
 
The Square    3
The Level     3 
The Plumb     3 
The Jewels    3 
The Wages     3 

The Great Values of Life      4 
The Pillars in the Porch      4 
The Globes on the Columns     4 
The Winding Stairs            4
 
The Symbolism of Numbers            5
Admission to the Middle Chamber     5
 The Middle Chamber                 5

King Solomon's Temple               6
The Letter "G"                      6
Emblems of a Fellow Craft           6
Rights of a Fellow Craft            6
Responsibilities of a Fellow Craft  6


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The Fellow Craft Degree

SYMBOLISM OF THE DEGREE:
In the Degree of Fellow Craft, we try to emphasize the dignity and worth 
of the individual.  Man should be an instrument of theSupreme Architect 
of the Universe.  As such, he is a workman whose  duty is to invent, 
create, and achieve; and, by doing so, express his own genius and 
individuality.  All Lodges are designed to encourage the development of 
individual genius and to allow man, if he works hard, to become as great 
as he wants to be.  The main principle of this form of government is 
that the State should not interfere with the individual's freedom any 
more than is necessary to preserve government by the State, but still 
give the individual freedom to flourish.

The Degree of Fellow Craft symbolizes man in the prime years of his 
life.  He is shown as an adult who is ready to accept the responsibility 
of life, not only for himself, but for his family and all of society.  
When the Mason assumes the duties and privileges of a Fellow  Craft, 
heis taught that he is responsible for his own destiny and that of the 
State. The themes of this Degree are education and achievement. The more 
a man learns through pursuit of knowledge, the more he achieves.

EVOLUTION FROM OPERATIVE TO SPECULATIVE:
We are unable to accurately pinpoint the time when we went from 
Operative to Speculative Masons. The change was gradual, and,probably, 
stretched over a period of more that 50 years.  It began early in the 
1600's and may have begun with the acceptance of patrons into the 
Operative Lodges, as was mentioned in the Entered Apprentice Degree 
instruction.  Others who were not interested in becoming stone masons, 
followed the patrons.  Those who were admitted by consent of the 
Operative Masons became "Accepted Masons".  Membership was  sought after 
because of the spiritual, social and cultural advantages. During this 
time our Craft grew rapidly in numbers.

The decline of Gothic architecture and the reduced demands for great 
building projects had greatly lowered the number of skilled Operative 
Craftsman needed to carry on the construction during this period.  If we 
had not become Speculative Masons, our Craft was faced with extinction.  
Many of the institutions of that day did pass into oblivion; but, by 
becoming Speculative, the Craft has grown to a point never envisioned by 
its founders.  Much of this growth can be attributed to the formation  
of the Grand Lodge of England, when the four old Lodges of England held 
a meeting at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in 1717, at which a man by 
the name of Anthony Sayer was elected Grand Master.  From there, Masonry 
spread over much of the world, and other jurisdictions developed their 
own Grand Lodges.


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THE BASIC TEACHINGS OF THE SECOND DEGREE:
As mentioned, the Fellow Craft Degree symbolizes the years of manhood 
and responsibility during a man's life on earth.  During these years, he 
obtains knowledge and applies this knowledge to the building of his 
character, and improving the society in which he lives. As the father of 
our Masonic Rituals, William Preston conceived   Masonry to be used to 
educate man in the liberal arts and sciences.  In the Ritual of the 
Degree, a Fellow Craft is urged to advance his education in these 
fields.  By using the method of Initiation into the Fellow Craft Degree, 
we hope to help you understand the symbolic importance of these liberal 
arts and sciences. 

THE PREPARATION:
The changes in dress from an Entered apprentice Mason to aFellow Craft 
Mason have been explained in the ceremony.  Gaining admission is similar 
to the First Degree, with addition of a pass, which is given for him by 
his conductor.  We are trying to teach that the knowledge and energy are 
freely given toward gaining the privileges of  Freemasonry, and that by 
the aid of others, we are able to advance. 

THE RECEPTION:
It takes on a new significance during your reception for this Degree.  
The square should be a rule and guide to your future actions with 
mankind.

THE CABLE-TOW:
This is a symbol of control for the individual.  To many, the Cable-Tow 
is symbolic of the umbilical cord, which is necessary to begin life; 
but, is severed, when love and care replace it, and the individual grows 
on his own.  The length of the Cable-Tow is frequently referred to in 
the language of Freemasonry, 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 about 
three miles.  In California this is any reasonable distance from which a 
summons may be answered, health and business permitting.  Each Mason is 
bound to all other Masons by a tie as long and as strong as he himself 
determines his ability will permit.

THE OBLIGATION:
The Obligation is the heart of every Degree and its solemnity must be 
impressed upon every candidate.  In addition to the vow of secrecy in 
the First Degree, the Obligation has other important points which bind 
each brother.  Obedience, assistance, and the protection of one another, 
are pledged by each Mason to all others, binding them by a tie which 
should last their lifetime.  The penalties have the same significance as 
those invoked in the First Degree, and are symbolic rather than 
physical, as already explained.


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THE SQUARE:
The Square is the symbol of morality, truthfulness and honesty. The 
direction of the two sides of the Square form an angle of 90 degrees, or 
a right angle, so-called because this is the angle which stones must 
have if they are to be used to build a stable and upright wall.  It 
symbolizes accuracy, not even varying by a single Degree.  It is 90 
Degrees, not 89 or 91.  When we part upon the Square, we go in different 
directions, but in full knowledge that our courses in life will be going 
according to the angle of the Square (Which means in the right 
direction), until we meet again.

THE LEVEL:
The Level is a symbol of equality.  We do not mean equality in wealth, 
social distinction, civic office, or service to mankind; but, rather, we 
refer to the internal, and not the external, qualifications. Each person 
is endowed with a worth and dignity which is spiritual, and should not 
be subject to man-made distinctions.  The quality practiced in Masonry 
recognizes that one man may have greater potential in life, 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.

THE PLUMB:
The Plumb is a symbol of uprightness of conduct.  In Freemasonry, it is 
associated with the plumb line which the Lord promised Amos he would set 
in the midst of His people, Israel, symbolizing God's standard of divine 
righteousness.  The plumb line in the midst of a people should mean that 
they will be judged by their own sense of right and wrong, and not by 
the standards of others. By understanding the Plumb, a Mason is to judge 
his Brothers by his own standards and not those of someone else.  When  
the plumb line is thought of in this way, it becomes a symbol of an 
upright life and of the conscience by which each person must live.

THE JEWELS:
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 
hearts of faithful Brethren.  These Jewels should signify the necessity 
to learn to utilize good Masonic instruction and develop a devotion to 
the teachings of our Craft.

THE WAGES:
Corn, Wine, and Oil, are symbolic wages which are earned by the Fellow 
Craft who completes his task and comes to the Middle Chamber.  These 
symbolize wealth in mental and spiritual worlds. Corn represents 
nourishment and the sustenance of life.  It is also a symbol of plenty, 
and refers to the opportunity for doing good, 


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to work for the community, and to the performance of service to mankind. 
Wine is symbolic of refreshment, health, spirituality, and peace.  Oil 
represents joy, gladness and happiness.  Taken together, Corn, Wine, and 
Oil represent the temporal rewards of living a good life.

The actual "wages" are the intangible but no less real compensation for 
a faithful and intelligent use of the Working Tools, fidelity to your 
obligations, and unflagging interest in and study of the structure, 
purpose and possibilities of the Fraternity.  Such wages may be defined 
in terms of a deeper understanding of Brotherhood, a clearer  conception 
of ethical living, a broader toleration, a sharper impatience with the 
mediocre and unworthy, and a more resolute will to think justly, 
independently, and honestly.

THE GREAT VALUES OF LIFE:
We gradually achieve a greater appreciation of the great values of life.  
Religion, which is man's quest for God.  Brotherhood, which  is a life 
of fellowship grounded in good will.  Art, by which we enjoy the 
beautiful.  Citizenship, by which we enjoy the good communal life. 
Science, by which we learn the nature of the world we live in.  
Literature, by which we enter into communion with the life of all 
mankind.  A good life is one in which all such things are appreciated 
and enjoyed.  The belief that the  good things in life come by chance to 
the fortunate, is a fatal blunder.  The satisfying values of life; 
spiritual, moral, intellectual, or physical cannot be won like a lottery 
prize.  They cannot come at all except through patient, intelligent and 
sustained effort.

THE PILLARS IN THE PORCH:
There are two pillars, placed before the entrance to King Solomon's 
Temple, which are symbolically represented within every Lodge of Fellow 
Craft Masonry.  These pillars are symbols of strength  and establishment 
- and by implication, power and control.  One must remember that power 
and control are placed before you, so you might realize that power 
without control is anarchy, or that control without power is futility.  
Man must have both if his life is to be successful.

THE GLOBES ON THE COLUMNS:
These are the celestial globe and the terrestrial globe, and are symbols 
of universality.  The shape of the globes let us know that this is a 
modern addition to Masonic Ritual - because our forbearers thought the 
earth was flat and the heavens a sphere revolving around it.

THE WINDING STAIRS:
This represents the progress of an inquiring mind, toiling and laboring 
toward intellectual cultivation and study.  This is the road to Divine 
Truth.  The Winding Stairs, by their very shape are also symbols of 
courage and faith.  The Winding Stairs 


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lead us to an unknown life. For some, there will be a Middle Chamber 
filled with reward of fame and fortune.  For others it will be filled 
with frustration, pain and discouragement.  The "Angel of Death" could 
stand on the next step of  any traveler.  Yet, we climb because we have 
faith, and because we are filled with courage.  We believe that the 
winding stairs of life lead to our destiny, and that the wages to be 
earned by the Fellow Craft are worth the risk.

Corn, Wine, and Oil are symbolic wages.  A Fellow Craft's wages are 
truth, or getting as close to the truth as is appropriate for him.  
While winding through the stairs, the Fellow Craft learns a beautiful 
lesson on the great doctrines of the science of Masonic symbolism - that 
he is ever to be in search of truth.  For the wise, there is also the 
lesson that the full knowledge of the nature of God, and in this life.  
Each man must seek a knowledge of  God "on his own", Masonry teaches a 
need for this relationship - not the way.

THE SYMBOLISM OF NUMBERS:
The symbolism of numbers is first presented to the new Mason in the 
diagram of the Winding Stairs.  The total number of steps is fifteen, 
which is a significant symbol, and is thus explained.  The first three 
steps teach us that we are dependent upon God, and that we must 
harmonize our will with His, building our own spiritual temple according 
to the Divine Plan.  The Second group of five steps teaches the use of 
order in architecture, and that this order must be applied to our own 
spiritual temple.  The final seven steps symbolize the crowning glory of 
man - the development of both mind and spirit, and the acquisition of 
the courage and faith which causes each person who possesses these 
virtues to climb to the summit and attain the rewards that await those 
who labor and faint not.  These are the symbolic wages of a worthy 
Fellow Craft.

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 Fellow Craft 
are received in the Middle Chamber.  These wages are a symbol of the 
Divine Truth.  The candidate must also find the doors to knowledge - 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 him in each 
instance, but such assistance is limited.  This signifies that man must 
acquire knowledge chiefly through his own effort, though he is often 
dependent upon others for some help. Emphasis should be placed upon the 
amount of effort put forth by the candidate, for without effort, he 
cannot reap the reward he seeks.

THE MIDDLE CHAMBER:
In modern Freemasonry, the Middle Chamber is the symbolic place of 
reward.  This was thought of as the place where the Fellow Craft met to 
receive wages for their labors on the Temple of Solomon. During its 
construction, they assembled on the evening of the sixth day of the 
week.  Those who were entitled to the wages of a Fellow 


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Craft were invested with certain mysterious signs, tokens, and a word, 
which enabled them to pass the inner and outer guards and to enter the 
Middle Chamber.  If they did not have the proper identification, they 
did not get into the Middle Chamber or receive their wages.

KING SOLOMON"S TEMPLE:
Freemasonry did not originate in the Temple of Jerusalem, but our 
rituals are enriched by reference to this magnificent structure.  For a 
full description of the Temple, you should read the accounts found in 
the First Book of Kings, Chapters 5 to 8, and the record found in the 
First Book of Chronicles, beginning in the second chapter.

THE LETTER "G":
The letter "G" is a symbol of Geometry and, also, of Deity. By the 
letter "G", we are reminded that our every act is done in the sight of 
God, and that Divine Providence is over all of our lives.  Man is 
reminded that God is in all nature and in every man.  Our life and all 
its blessings come from Him in an orderly fashion.  These are disrupted 
only by the vileness of man when he does something contrary to the 
Divine Will.  The letter"G" is placed in the center of the Masonic 
emblems worn by many here in the U.S., but not by Masons in England or 
other nations of the British Commonwealth.  We don't know why this 
occurs.

EMBLEMS OF A FELLOW CRAFT:
These include the Plumb, Square, and Level; Corn, Wine, and Oil; the 
Pillars in the Porch; the Winding Stairs; the Liberal Arts and Sciences; 
and the Letter "G".  The Fellow Craft should become very familiar with 
them, for they epitomize the lessons of this Degree.  To really 
understand their significance, you must study them until the lesson 
learned is engraved upon your heart.

THE RIGHTS OF A FELLOW CRAFT:
In addition to the rights you have acquired as an Entered Apprentice 
Mason, you have the right to sit in a Lodge when opened in the Fellow 
Craft Degree.  You may visit another Lodge opened in the Fellow Craft 
Degree.  You have the right to be instructed and examined.  If you are 
proficient and worthy, you have the right to ask for advancement.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FELLOW CRAFT:
These are to be found in the Obligation, and you should review these and 
the Obligation of the Entered Apprentice Degree.  Finally, you are 
reminded that you are to acquire knowledge and apply that knowledge to 
your duties in life, so that you can fill you place in society with 
satisfaction and honor.


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