Back to: Protected: Introduction to the Fellow Craft Mason Education Course
As mentioned, the Fellowcraft degree symbolizes the years of manhood and responsibility during his 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.
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 Fellowcraft is urged to advance his education in these fields. By using the method of Initiation, 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 a Fellowcraft Mason have been explained in the Ceremony. Gaining admission is similar to the first degree, with the addition of a pass, which is given for him by his conductor. We are trying to teach that 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
You were received into the Lodge on the angle of the square. The square should be a rule and guide to your future actions with mankind. The implements of Masonry contain many good lessons to guide us in life’s trials and we should learn all we can from them.
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. Thus, in our ceremonies, the Cable-Tow is removed when the need for physical control is no longer needed.
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 Alaska, 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 binds each Brother.
Obedience, assistance and the protection of one another are pledged by each Mason to all other Masons, binding them by a tie which should last their lifetime. That bond or tie, referred to as the “Mystic Tie” by the Scottish poet Robert Burns, is the basis for the development of lasting and endear ing friendships that extend far and away beyond those made in ordinary life.
The penalties have the same significance as those invoked in the First Degree, and are symbolic rather than physical, as already explained.