The library, questioned
Fellowcraft
The Fellowcraft is the second degree in Freemasonry, emblematic of manhood, renewed research, and the advancement of education following the initial stage of youth [1]. Historically, after seven years of service, an apprentice brought a masterpiece before the lodge to be declared a Fellowcraft, gaining the freedom to earn his living, select an employer, and choose a distinct mark [4]. Formatted in large part by William Preston to foster a liberal education, the degree introduces the Mason to the science of architecture, the human senses, and the liberal arts and sciences [1][10].
The degree's moral instruction centers on building a spiritual temple using its working tools—the Plumb, Square, and Level—to test craftsmanship and build on time [3][9][10]. Its primary symbols include the brazen Pillars, the Flight of Winding Stairs leading to a Middle Chamber, and the Letter "G," which represents both geometry and faith in God [1][6][8]. Climbing the three, five, and seven steps of the winding stairs symbolizes the individual's and humanity's ascent from ignorance and savagery toward spiritual enlightenment [8].
Masonic scholars differ on the exact symbolic meaning of the brazen Pillars placed at the temple porchway [7]. While the twin pillars may originate from ancient geography or Egyptian and Phoenician architectural practice, authorities interpret their meaning variously based on differing historical and philosophical frameworks [7]. Some writers suggest they represent masculine and feminine elements, others hold that they denote the authorities of Church and State, and some view them as references to the legendary pillars of Enoch [7]. Alternatively, William Preston maintained that they allude to the pillars of cloud and fire that guided the Children of Israel [7].
Drawn from Carl Claudy, Introduction to Freemasonry: Fellowcraft, pp. 1-1 · Carl Claudy, Introduction to Freemasonry: Fellowcraft, pp. 1-1 · Joseph Fort Newton, The Builders: A Story and Study of Masonry, pp. 154-154 · Carl Claudy, Introduction to Freemasonry: Fellowcraft, pp. 8-8 · Carl Claudy, Introduction to Freemasonry: Fellowcraft, pp. 8-8 · Carl Claudy, Introduction to Freemasonry: Fellowcraft, pp. 15-15 · Carl Claudy, Introduction to Freemasonry: Fellowcraft, pp. 1-1 · Carl Claudy, Introduction to Freemasonry: Fellowcraft, pp. 11-14
Further reading, from the archive.
- what is the historical origin of the cable tow in craft masonry and how do preston and mackey explain its symbolic meaning
-
Explícame el significado de la columna B
Explícame el salmo 133
- What are the meanings behind the working tools of a fellowcraft?
-
1
1 · 1
-
what does the globe symbolise on the summit of the pillars in craft masonry and do writers agree on it
where did that reading come from
-
where did the office of overseer come from in the mark degree and what are his duties
same in Scotland?
-
what does the letter g symbolise in craft masonry and do writers agree on it
who brought it in
- How relevant is Freemsonry for a young professional?
-
what do the various marks chosen by craftsmen signify historically and how did the selection process work
same in scotland?
-
what do the two pillars at the porchway symbolise in craft masonry and do writers agree on them
same meaning in preston
-
what does the level symbolise in craft masonry and do writers agree on it
where does that reading come from
-
how do mystical writers interpret the winding stairs of three five and seven steps
does Wilmshurst talk about it
- what does the cable tow symbolise in the craft
- What do the two pillars represent
- What is gained with each degree
- What do the winding stairs represent?
- What is the meaning of corn in freemasonry?
- What is the significance of the Winding Stairs in the Fellowcraft degree?
-
Boaz?
1 · 1
- What is the symbolic meaning of the Two Pillars in Craft Masonry?
- What are the hidden meanings of second degree tracing board
-
What is the significance of the corn, wine and oil?
Where are they used in Masonic ceremony? · What did the operative masons receive as wages?
- Working tools of the second degree
- Explain ‘length of our cable tow’ in simple terms and less than 100 words
-
What is the origin of the Fellowcraft's Middle Chamber?
Is there scriptural warrant for it?
-
What does a newly initiated Freemason in India do next?
How does he learn the ritual? · What is expected of him in his first year?
-
Why is the Fellowcraft degree concerned with the senses?
What are the five orders of architecture doing in the ritual? · Who put them there?
-
What is the significance of circumambulation?
Why does the candidate move sunwise? · Is this borrowed from older rites?
-
What is the cable tow and what does it signify?
How is its length interpreted?
-
What is the significance of the second degree in Craft?
The degree feels very short and doesnt really stress on the importance on knowledge, liberal arts & sciences or on the hidden mysteries of nature & science, other than a very cursory reference to them... · It charges the candidate on education, but the ceremony is too small that there is no major emphasis that the candidate takes away... unlike the first or third degrees
- How do the working tools of the First Degree differ from those of the Second Degree?
- do freemasons believe the earth is flat?
- What are the agricultural symbols used in Freemasonry?
- I am a Fellowcraft (though newly raised). I am looking at an ethical situation, and I need to explore FreeMason values and positions on this
- quais são símbolos do grau de companheiro
- quais são os elementos contido no painel da loja de companheiro
- What is boaz and jachin
- On the Level in Freemasonry's principle
- Level
- las columnas J y B cual es el masculino y femenino
- elenca alcuni punti di approfondimento nel 2° grado del craft
- What are the modern Masonic symbols?
- Test questions for 2°
- How do Masonic lodges reflect ancient architectural principles?
- What are the key teachings associated with the Second Degree in Freemasonry?
- How does mentoring work within Freemasonry?
- Tracing board second degree
- What are the degrees in Operative Masonry?
- Can you elaborate extensively on the Pillar with the letter "B" in a masonic lodge with book reference?
- Can you elaborate extensively on the Pillar with the letter "B" in a masonic lodge with book reference?
- Can you elaborate extensively on the Pillar with the letter "B" in a masonic lodge?
- What are the symbolic meanings of the numbers three, five, and seven in Freemasonry in a mathematical sense?
- Can you elaborate as an expert in Esoterism on the symbolic meaning of the masonic years 3, 5 and 7 in the blue lodge setting?
- Can you elaborate as an expert in Esoterism on the symbolic meaning of the masonic years 3, 5 and 7 in the blue lodge setting?
- How does Freemasonry view the relationship between God and humanity?
- How does the first degree relate to the other degrees in Freemasonry?
- How does sacred geometry relate to Masonic symbols?
- How do the Craft and Holy Royal Arch degrees relate to Geometry & Astronomy?
- What is cornucopia and what is it's reference in Freemasonry?
- What architectural styles are prominent in Masonic buildings?