Back to: Protected: The Master Mason Lesson
RECEPTION
In the reception at the door, you are reminded through the application of both points of the Compasses that all of the lessons of Freemasonry must be implanted in the heart if they are to serve a useful purpose and become a part of your way of life, and that you should practice these lessons in your daily life.
THE ALTAR AND THE OBLIGATION
The Obligation is the heart of the degree. By taking the Obligation, the candidate obtains the privileges, the rights and the benefits of the Masonic institution. Also, the duties and responsibilities you have sworn to observe have become far more extensive. As a Master Mason, your love and your charity now know no limits. Your God, your family, your friends, associates, widows, and orphans all have a constant claim on you. The circle that is drawn by the Compasses of friendship, morality, and brotherly love has no beginning and no end. You must know the Obligation if you are to abide by it.
CLANDESTINE LODGE AND CLANDESTINE MASON
A Clandestine Lodge is one that has not been issued a charter from a regular Grand Lodge. One who belongs to one of these lodges is a clandestine mason.
MASONIC DEFINITION OF DOTAGE, FOOL. AND PROFANE
Dotage is a condition associated with old age and is marked by juvenile desires, loss of memory and failure of judgment. Being old does not bar someone from membership, but we require that he be mentally alert and mentally healthy.
A Fool is a mature man without good sense or good judgment. Legally, he is of age, but mentally, he is lacking in the common powers of understanding.
Profane means someone who is “not a Mason.” This is derived from the Latin “pro” meaning before, and ”fanum” which means temple. Thus, someone profane is one who is “outside the temple” or uninitiated. The word has no reference to profanity as we would normally associate it.
WOMEN
The question of not allowing women to become Masons has arisen many times. When we were an Operative craft, the buildings were built by Operative Masons who hired men who could carry large, heavy objects. Thus, it was a requirement that only men could become Operative Masons. This is also one of the Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry.
SIGNS, TOKENS AND WORDS
We feel these are very important because they provide modes of recognition. Also, each Sign, Token and Word has a symbolic meaning which serves to enrich the mind and improve our lives as Masons. You should know how to properly execute all the Signs at all times in order to properly show your respect for the dignity of this part of the ceremonies.
THE WORKING TOOLS
The working tools of a Master Mason are all of the instruments of Masonry. In the United States, the Trowel is especially assigned to this Degree. The Master Mason is to use it to spread Brotherly Love.
