the berkshire mentoring programme...masonic clothing aprons/collars/jewels 23 your next step 27...

The Berkshire Mentoring Programme

The Journey of a new Mason

Stage 3

AFTER PASSING

Published by

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Berkshire

JONM.Stg3.Sept 14 - 1 -


The Second Degree Tracing Board


FOREWORD Having completed your Second Degree ceremony of Passing in Freemasonry, you are more than half way through your journey to becoming a Master Mason. We hope you have enjoyed both ceremonies so far and that your understanding of Freemasonry is somewhat deeper than it was initially. We hope that the previous booklet in the series of “The Journey of a New Mason”, Stage 2, After Initiation’, was helpful in answering some of those initial questions you may have had following your Initiation. You have probably had several more questions since then and certainly many more following your ‘Passing’ recently. This next booklet of the series, Stage 3, After Passing; will continue to develop your Masonic knowledge during your journey as a new mason, answering some of those questions you have encountered and enlightening you on more of the finer points of Freemasonry thus far. As before, there may be questions which may not be covered in this booklet. Your Personal Mentor should be able to answer any that are not, when he discusses the subjects in the booklet with you. However, you can be forgiven if you think there is a long way to go. As was stressed at the end of the last booklet, the subject of Freemasonry is so extensive, and so challenging to the enquiring mind, that you will never stop learning. Rest assured that those around you who can help would be delighted to have the opportunity to do so. So do not hesitate to ask. Those you ask will probably learn something in the process. RWBro Martin Peters – Provincial Grand Master, Berkshire


CONTENTS The Second Degree Tracing Board. Page 2 Foreword 4 Contents 5 What is a Fellowcraft? 6 Symbolic explanation of the ceremony of Passing. 7 Your Second Degree ceremony 10 The Second Degree Tracing Board (short version) 12 Working Tools (Second Degree) 13 Masonic Symbolism 14 Charity is at the heart of Freemasonry 16 The relationship between UGLE and the Provinces 21 Masonic Clothing Aprons/collars/Jewels 23 Your next step 27 Third Degree Questions and answers 28 Experience Record Sheet No 2 29 Notes page 30


WHAT IS A FELLOW CRAFT? Congratulations on being passed to the Degree of a Fellowcraft. During the ceremony you were told that you are now in the midway of Freemasonry, which is to imply that there is a further Degree beyond Fellow Craft. However, prior to AD 1730 there were only two degrees in Freemasonry, those of Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft (Fellow of the Craft), and it was from the Fellow Craft of the Lodge that the Master of the Lodge was elected each year, provided that he had served at least one year as a Warden. These days we have three degrees, the third being that of Master Mason. During the First Degree you were taught the duties you owe to God and to your fellow creatures, the Deity being referred to as ‘The Great Architect of the Universe’ (TGAOTU). In this degree (Fellow Craft) you are taught about man's relationship with the world in which we live and which was created by TGGOTU. You were informed during the ceremony that you were now 'permitted' to extend your researches into the hidden mysteries of Nature and Science. Note the curious terminology 'permitted'. The Second Degree assumes that, having been taught in the First Degree your duties to God and your fellow creatures, you are now responsible and mature enough to learn about the Universe in which we live, to use its gifts for the benefit of all and not to abuse them. Knowledge without morality can be a very dangerous thing! Enjoy your advancement. Provincial Grand Mentor (Berkshire)


SYMBOLIC EXPLANATION OF THE CEREMONY OF PASSING Just as the operative masons had to prove their proficiency in one level of work, so have you proved your proficiency as a speculative or free and accepted mason, by being ‘passed’ to the degree of a Fellow Craft. It is important to remember that in this degree you are already a Freemason and, as a result, there was no need for a hoodwink, or for a cable tow to prevent you from rushing into the Lodge. The purpose of the degree is firstly to acknowledge the progress you have made in the Craft and secondly, to build upon your knowledge by opening the way for further learning. You are now half way through your progress of being educated in the three degrees, although in practice it may take many years for you to completely understand them. This level of progression is illustrated by the position of the Square and Compasses on the Volume of the Sacred Law. One point of the compasses is disclosed, implying that you are now in the midway of Freemasonry, superior to an Entered Apprentice, but inferior to the degree of a Master Mason to which you will hopefully soon progress. Your progress is further signified by the different apron you are now wearing, with two rosettes on it. This is the shortest of the three degree ceremonies and, as a result, there is a danger that it may be considered the least important of the three. This is not so, for all degrees have equal merit and special value. Whilst your Initiation was obviously very important and you will soon discover the third degree ceremony is particularly dramatic, the main aim of the Second Degree is to impress on you the importance of developing your intellectual ability by studying the hidden mysteries of nature and science, namely Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy. In other words, be open to learning throughout your life. Once again you were prepared to enter the Lodge in a special manner. This time you wore an apron of the Entered Apprentice, signifying your advancement in Masonic knowledge.


The test questions put to you earlier in the ceremony were to demonstrate that knowledge. You still were in a state of poverty to remind you of the origins of Charity, namely in your heart. This time you were admitted into the Lodge by the Inner Guard presenting a square to your breast or heart. The square teaches and reminds you to square your actions with all men. Your movement around the Lodge Room again followed the sun as it appears in the Northern Hemisphere. Each stop in that journey proved to all present that you were a qualified Entered Apprentice, properly prepared and worthy of being passed to the Second Degree. Your Masonic journey to the light of the East continued as you again approached the pedestal. The predominant number in this Degree is five, and so you advanced to the pedestal by five steps as though ascending a winding staircase. When you knelt to take your obligation, the number five was again predominant, although perhaps obscure. When you took your obligation you formed five squares with both of your arms, your hand, your foot and your knee. You were instructed how to take the second regular step in Freemasonry. Although it was the same movement, but additional to the step you had taken in the First Degree, details of the various signs, tokens and words were quite different. During the course of your instruction you were told ‘For it was in this position that Joshua prayed fervently to the Almighty’. This alludes to the time when an army of Israelites, under the command of Joshua, was engaged in a battle with the Amalekites. Although heavily outnumbered, the Almighty had assured Joshua that the Israelites would prevail as long as he held his hands in the position you were shown. It reminds us of the complete trust we should all place in our Supreme Being. The word of the Degree is a Hebrew one, and when conjoined with the word in the First Degree forms the key to God's covenant with Israel. This is the real importance of the word. The fact that it bore the name of the Assistant High Priest at the dedication of King Solomon’s Temple is merely a convenient coincidence.


Your new apron indicates that you have progressed from an Entered Apprentice to a Fellow Craft as it is now adorned with two rosettes. These should serve to remind you that, as a Craftsman, you are expected to make a serious study of the seven liberal arts and sciences. You may remember that they are grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy. Perhaps this could be somewhat modernised by suggesting that this list represents the need to develop your faculties, abilities and talents through study and research for the benefit of yourself and society in general. Freemasonry is a progressive science. In this Degree, you move from the North East corner where you were challenged as an Entered Apprentice, to the South East corner. In the Charge, you were told, “You are now placed in the South East part, to mark the progress you have made”. This is the fifth time the word ‘progress’ has been used during the ceremony. Firstly, the Tyler used it at the door of the Lodge. The Inner Guard repeated it when he reported your presence to the Master. The third time was by the Master immediately after your obligation when the Volume of the Sacred Law and the square and compasses were presented to you. The fourth was when the Senior Warden presented you with your badge. Progress is the central theme of this Degree which is appropriate, for we progress from sunrise to sunset, from birth to death and from beginning to end.


YOUR SECOND DEGREE CEREMONY Once again, congratulations on being passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft. The purpose of the Second Degree was firstly to acknowledge the progress you have made in the Craft and secondly, to build upon your knowledge by opening the way for further learning. After the Lodge was opened and the Minutes read and confirmed, you were asked the Questions you were required to answer. These reminded you of the way you were prepared and the reasons for it, and you agreed to persevere through the Second Degree Ceremony. The Worshipful Master then entrusted you with the p..s g..p and p..s w…d leading to the Second Degree. You then retired from the Lodge Room to be prepared for the ceremony. Entering the Lodge Room (without the now unnecessary h..dw..k), you advanced and saluted the Worshipful Master as an Entered Apprentice Freemason and a prayer was made for the forthcoming proceedings. You were then paraded around the Lodge and examined by the Junior Warden to prove you as an Entered Apprentice and you returned to the North West Corner. The Worshipful Master then announced to the Brethren that you would pass in view before them, as a Candidate properly prepared to be passed to the Second Degree. On arriving at the Senior Warden, you gave him the p..s g..p and p..s w..d leading to the Second Degree. Advancing to the pedestal, you then took another Obligation and promised to keep the Secrets of the Second Degree as those of the First. Following this, you were entrusted with the Secrets of a Fellow Craft Freemason with a detailed explanation of their origin and meaning. As in the First Degree, you were now examined by both the Junior and Senior Wardens, to ensure you could demonstrate the signs, tokens and words of the degree. Next you were invested with the Badge of a Fellow Craft Freemason, to mark the progress you had made and the Worshipful Master addressed you about the same.


Moving then to the South East Corner, you were encouraged to continue in your fidelity as a Freemason. At the Worshipful Master’s pedestal, the Working Tools and their Symbolism were presented to you in detail. At this stage you then retired from the Lodge Room to restore yourself to your personal comfort. When ready, you re-entered the Lodge Room and an Explanation of the Second Degree Tracing Board was given to you. (This may be done at a future date in some Lodges.) This was principally about King Solomon’s Temple and its building. Finally you took your seat in the Lodge when you witnessed the rest of the business and the closing of the Lodge. In this degree (Fellow Craft), you were taught about man's relationship with the world in which we live and which was created by the GGOTU. During the ceremony, you were told that you are now in the midway of Freemasonry, which is to imply that there is a further Degree beyond Fellow Craft i.e. the Master Mason. Prior to AD 1730 there were only two degrees in Freemasonry, those of Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft (Fellow of the Craft), and it was from the Fellow Craft of the Lodge that the Master of the Lodge was elected each year, provided that he had served at least one year as a Warden. These days we have three degrees, the third being that of Master Mason. The next degree which you will take, is the Third Degree when you will be raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. There is no higher degree in Craft Freemasonry. The aprons which you have worn up to now, have been the property of the Lodge. Your next apron however, will be your own property as you will be using it for some years to come, both in the Lodge and when you go out visiting other Lodges. You will need therefore, unless you have made other arrangements, to arrange with the Secretary of the Lodge, to purchase for you, a Master Mason’s apron and a pair of white gloves. These will be at your own expense. You should also consider, at the same time, asking the Secretary to purchase a copy of the pertinent Lodge Ritual Book for you, if your Lodge does not present you with one.


THE SECOND DEGREE TRACING BOARD

The Tracing Board in the Second Degree is quite a long piece of ritual, and it is therefore not always delivered when a Candidate is Passed. In some Lodges, it is explained on an evening when there is little other work and, as a result, may be witnessed by several Fellow Crafts for the first time. An optional shorter piece is attached;

The greatest symbol on the Second Degree Tracing Board is the winding staircase. Its seven steps represent the seven liberal arts and sciences we have referred to, and symbolise the ultimate attainment of a Fellow Craft Freemason. The seven steps are interdependent and are strung together as follows: 'Grammar' is the foundation of language, which enables us to communicate and broaden our knowledge. The art of speaking fluently is 'Rhetoric', but without 'Logic' the previous two are just an empty, senseless flow of words. The exchange of knowledge allows you to learn to compare. The science of comparison is 'Arithmetic'. The fifth step, five being the predominant number of this Degree, is 'Geometry' which is established as the basis of our art. Geometry has been described as the science of harmony in space. Its laws apply equally to the minute world of atomic physics and to the immense world of astronomy. 'Music' is the geometry of sound. Every note in the musical scale is exactly double the wavelength of the corresponding note in the preceding octave, and each note in a scale is a logarithmic progression. Music moves in measured steps and cannot free itself from geometry without dissolving into discord. The seventh step - the uppermost step, is 'Astronomy’. From here we contemplate the wonder and the awesome magnitude of the Heavens. As we battle to understand infinity with our finite minds, it should help to put the rest of our lives into better perspective and assist in expanding our personal horizons.


WORKING TOOLS (2ND DEGREE) The working tools of an Entered Apprentice are those used to prepare the stone for the hands of the more expert workman. The working tools of this Degree, the square, the level and the plumb rule, are the tools of the expert Craftsman, the skilled mason responsible for the correct interpretation of the architect's design. These then are the most important of all tools and the way in which they were presented to you is probably one of the most simple yet meaningful passages in the whole of our Masonic ritual. If you really absorb the philosophy contained in it, you cannot fail to become a worthy Freemason and a credit to the society in which you live:- “I now present to you the Working Tools of a Fellow Craft Freemason; They are the Square, Level and Plumb Rule. …indicates working tools as they are named…. The Square is to try, and adjust rectangular corners of buildings, and assist in bringing rude matter into due form; the Level to lay levels and prove horizontals; the Plumb Rule to try, and adjust uprights while fixing them on their proper bases. But as we are not all operative Masons, but rather free and accepted, or speculative, we apply these tools to our morals. In this sense, the Square teaches morality, the Level equality, and the Plumb Rule, justness and uprightness of life and actions. Thus by square conduct, level steps, and upright intentions, we hope to ascend to those immortal mansions whence all goodness emanates.” (At the end of the presentation, in some Lodges, the Brethren all clap once on the word “emanates”.)


MASONIC SYMBOLISM During the course of the ceremonies, the Candidate will undoubtedly notice that a great deal of symbolism is employed both in words and in special artefacts placed and used around the Lodge Room. The following may help him identify some of them:

The Three Great Lights (‘The Furniture of the Lodge’)

The volume of the Sacred Law – THE WORD i.e. the Holy Writings relevant to the candidate’s persuasion, upon which he makes his undertakings e.g. The Bible, The Koran, the appropriate Sikh or Hindu scriptures etc.

The Square – denotes THE GREAT ARCHITECT and symbolises morality.

The Compasses – denote THE UNIVERSE and are the symbol of impartial justice, defining the limits of good and evil.

The Three Lesser Lights - the three candles in the east, south and west denoting the sun at its rising, meridian and setting to light men to their labours and symbolising:

The Master to rule his Lodge The Sun to rule the day The Moon to govern the night

The Three Great Pillars – said to support a Freemasons’ Lodge and represented by the three candlesticks:

By the Master – Ionic denoting Wisdom and representing Solomon, King of Israel. By the Senior Warden – Doric denoting Strength and representing Hiram, King of Tyre. By the Junior Warden - Corinthian denoting Beauty and representing Hiram Abif.

Black and White Chequered Pavement – represents Light and Darkness or the joys and sorrows of our chequered existence on earth and replicates the floor of King Solomon’s Temple.


The Wardens Columns – represent the two pillars at the porchway or entrance to King Solomon’s Temple -

Senior Warden’s column erect when Lodge is at labour. Junior Warden’s column erect when Lodge is at rest. Celestial (SW) and Terrestrial (JW) Globes atop these columns point out that Freemasonry is universal.

The Three Moveable Jewels- Square (explained above) Level (equality) Plumb rule (justness and uprightness in life and actions)

The Three Immovable Jewels- Tracing Board – for the Master to lay lines and draw designs upon Rough Ashlar – for Entered Apprentice to work, mark and indent upon Perfect Ashlar – for Craftsman to try and adjust jewels upon

Squaring the Lodge – a reflection of the earlier days when the layout of the Lodge was drawn on the floor in chalk at each meeting and later erased.

The Apron Thought to derive from sheepskins used by ancient stone masons for both protection and warmth, the legs being used to tie the skin round the body, though now reduced to symbolic size and with draw strings replacing legs; still made from the skin of a lamb. Each Degree has its own form, with different standards for enhanced ranks, but strictly as laid down by Grand Lodge. Rosettes indicate grade of Brother concerned :– 2 = second degree and 3 = third degree, replaced by Levels when a Master Mason has passed through the Chair.

The Collar – purely a means of suspending the jewel which denotes a Brother’s office in the Lodge. Originally no more than a strand of blue cord, it was gradually expanded to its present size, but has no Masonic significance.


The Gloves - not worn by ancient operative masons, probably derived from social fashions of ‘gentlemen’ in 19th Century.

Jewels of Office - the three most significant: WM wears the Square SW wears the Level JW wears the Plumb Rule

Other Officers wear: - Chaplain – Book on a triangle surmounting a glory Secretary – Two pens in Saltire, tied by a ribbon Director of Ceremonies – Two rods in Saltire, tied by a ribbon Treasurer – Key Almoner – Scrip-purse Charity Steward – Trowel Lodge Mentor – Two chisels in Saltire Deacons – Dove and an olive branch Organist – Lyre Steward – Cornucopia (also known as the Horn of Plenty) Inner Guard – Two swords in Saltire Tyler – Sword CHARITY IS AT THE HEART OF FREEMASONRY The three Great Principles by which we stand are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals. From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities. Masonic charity is exercised at every level, individual Lodges make gifts and give aid to their own communities and every Province also gives large sums of money to regional causes. The overall value of grants made by the Masonic charities is more than £20 million a year, all of which is income generated within Freemasonry. Nationally, our efforts are channeled through four main charity organisations, they are:-


The Freemasons’ Grand Charity The Freemasons’ Grand Charity was formed as an independent charity in 1980 to take over the functions of the United Grand Lodge of England's Board of Benevolence, which itself had its origins in the Committee of Charity set up in 1725. Like its predecessor, the Freemasons’ Grand Charity has a threefold function:

relieving distressed Freemasons and their dependants,

making grants to other Masonic Charities,

making grants to non-Masonic causes. The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys In 1982 the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls (formed in 1788) and the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys (formed in 1798) were combined to form the Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys to continue nearly two hundred years of care for the children of poor families. On 1 May 2003, the Trust became the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. The prime object of the Trust is support for the children of distressed or deceased Freemasons, the aim being to give them the start in life they would have received had distress not befallen their families. The second objective is to provide help to children not connected to Masonic families and to support charities connected with children. The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution The RMBI provides a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the needs of older Freemasons: Sheltered accommodation and residential and nursing care in homes throughout England and Wales, as well as practical and financial support for those who wish to remain in their own homes. The Institution has a daunting challenge to provide these services to an increasingly large number of older Freemasons and their dependants. Regular practical help and advice, through the Care Advice Team, home improvement


loans and holidays are other important ingredients in the help the Institution provides. The Masonic Samaritan Fund Established in 1990 with the active support of United Grand Lodge of England, the Masonic Samaritan Fund is an independent charity, which provides support for sick and infirm Freemasons, their families and dependants who are in need. The Fund gives relief to those applicants who cannot afford the full cost of private healthcare and who are unable to obtain their treatment on the UK's National Health Service without undue delay or hardship. Festivals for the Masonic Charities From the late eighteenth century and almost from the time of their inception, the various Charities have employed the Festival system to aid fund raising. Initially the occasions were supported by the Masters’ List of the London Lodges, but as time went by the support of Provincial Masons was sought and eventually the events became largely Provincial ones. Currently, Provinces hold a Festival approximately every 11 years. An early letter enlisting support for the Masonic Schools was sent to Provincial Lodges as early as 1858. As support for any petitions was by votes, which were in direct proportion to the amount donated by a Province or Lodge, it was in the interest of Provinces who were likely to seek support from these central funds to obtain the maximum number of votes possible.

Is Additional Help Available? Having seen how the Masonic Charities operate, you should note that additional help can be obtained from three other sources -

The State

Your Lodge

Provincial Grand Lodge

The State


The Masonic Charities will not give support when help should be provided by the State. A booklet outlining Social Security Benefits is available from the Provincial Grand Almoner. State Benefits are provided by the Social Security, Social Services and Health Authorities. Your Lodge It is usual for Lodges to hold funds which the Almoner can use to provide immediate relief. However, not all problems can be solved by money and often a friendly chat can be more appropriate. The Lodge Charity Steward co-ordinates the collection of charitable donations from Lodge members. The Lodge Almoner will assist the Brethren of his Lodge to ensure that the required assistance is obtained for those in need.

Provincial Grand Lodge Whilst many Brethren assist the Provincial Grand Charity in a variety of ways, there are two Officers specifically appointed for this purpose. The Provincial Grand Almoner and Provincial Grand Charity Steward are appointed annually by the Provincial Grand Master and, in order to provide continuity, the same Brother is usually re-appointed to each post for a number of years.

The Provincial Grand Almoner is directly responsible to the Provincial Grand Master for the welfare of the Brethren in the Province and for their dependants. He carries out his duties by: –

Supporting and assisting Lodge Almoners by providing accurate information, advice and encouragement.

Providing regular and effective training for Lodge Almoners.

Overseeing the correct preparation of Petitions.

Ensuring the effective control of payment from Masonic Charities through Lodge or Case Almoners.

Updating the Provincial Executive at regular intervals, on petitioners and charitable giving, whilst at all times maintaining strict confidentiality.


Keeping and ensuring that accurate records are kept of all receipts and disbursements made to Lodge Almoners and to beneficiaries.

Maintaining accurate records of petitioners, beneficiaries and Lodge Almoners.

Promoting the work of the various Masonic Charitable Trusts by visiting Lodges, giving talks and distributing literature.

Advising Provincial Grand Lodge on all matters relevant to the work of Provincial and Lodge Almoners.

The Provincial Grand Charity Steward is directly responsible to the Provincial Grand Master for the smooth running of the organisational structure of Provincial Grand Charity and is, in effect, the Secretary of the Provincial Charity Committee. He carries out his duties by -

Supporting and assisting Lodge Charity Stewards.

Monitoring the collection of money for Festivals.

Investing Provincial Charity Funds to ensure the maximum secure return available.

Maintaining accurate records of Provincial Charity Funds for inclusion in the annual accounts of the Provincial Grand Charity.

Reclaiming tax on gift aided donations to Provincial Grand Charity and issuing receipts and tax vouchers where appropriate.

Reporting to the Provincial Executive on the progress of collections for any current Festival.

The Provincial Grand Charity Steward would expect, under normal circumstances, to be assisted by an appointed Treasurer. Additionally, investment advice would usually be sought from professional brokers. In some Provinces, a quite separate Secretary and Treasurer are appointed to oversee the affairs of a Festival, leaving the Provincial Grand Secretary to run the day to day business of the Provincial Grand Charity.


VISITING OTHER LODGES. This is one of the most enjoyable parts of Freemasonry and, if invited, you should certainly accept if you are able to do so. It provides an opportunity to make new friends and see how other Lodges conduct their ceremonies. It is fair to say that no two Lodges are exactly alike! If you are in any doubt about the ‘Regularity’ of the Lodge to which you have been invited, you should ask your Lodge Secretary to confirm that it is recognised, something which is mandatory if the Lodge is located overseas. Whilst visiting is extremely enjoyable, you should not engage in it to the extent that it becomes detrimental to your family or working life. The same common sense rule applies to every part of your Masonic activities. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN UGLE AND THE PROVINCES.

The United Grand Lodge of England is the governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales and the Channel Islands, with its headquarters at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London.

It meets in Quarterly Communication on the second Wednesdays in March, June, September and December and the Annual Investiture and Grand Festival take place on the last Wednesday in April.

The Book of Constitutions regulates Freemasonry under the United Grand Lodge of England and no alteration of these Constitutions may be made without the consent of Grand Lodge.

Grand Lodge consists of the Grand Officers of the year, Past Grand Officers, the Masters, Wardens and Past Masters of all Lodges under the Grand Lodge, all of whom must be subscribing members of Lodges under Grand Lodge. The Grand Master is the head of the Craft and is elected annually. The Grand Master appoints the Grand Officers and this may either be to an acting rank for a year or to a


past rank, which is where the appointee is honored with the rank without actually serving in it.

The United Grand Lodge of England has some 270,000 members grouped in approximately 8,000 lodges. Lodges in London (an area within a 10 mile radius of Freemasons’ Hall), are organised into groups administered by Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London. Lodges outside London and within England, Wales and the Channel Islands are grouped into 47 Provinces, based on the old Counties, each headed by a Provincial Grand Master.

The appointment of a Metropolitan or Provincial Grand Master is a prerogative of the Grand Master, by whom a patent may be granted, to hold during his pleasure, to any Brother whom he may think worthy of the appointment. By this patent the Brother is invested with appropriate authority in the particular Metropolitan Area or Province (B of C 63).

The offices in Grand Lodge are, broadly speaking, the same as those within a Metropolitan Area and Province, or indeed the same as those within your own Lodge, with just a few exceptions. Whilst the actual offices may carry the same titles, the regalia worn is quite different and it is relatively easy to distinguish a Brother holding Grand Rank from one holding Provincial Grand Rank. Similarly, the regalia worn by a Brother who has not as yet attained Provincial Grand Rank is also easily identified. Ask your Mentor to point out to you the differing styles of regalia when you are next in the Lodge Room.


MASONIC CLOTHING. Q. Why are there so many different aprons? There are seven designs of apron that you may normally see in a Lodge; these are as follows - Aprons worn by Entered Apprentices. A plain white lambskin apron with a white flap

Aprons worn by Fellow Crafts. As above, but with two light blue rosettes

Aprons worn by Master Masons. As above, but bordered in light blue with silver tassels on blue ribbons and a third light blue rosette on the flap.


Aprons worn by Masters and Past Masters of Lodges. Similar in design to the Master Mason’s apron, with the rosettes being replaced with perpendicular lines upon horizontal lines, sometimes referred to as ‘levels’. The correct name for them is

‘Taus’. Aprons worn by Provincial Grand Officers. Similar to the Past Master’s apron (unless he has not gone through the Chair, in which case the rosettes are not replaced with levels), but dark blue in colour with gold tassels and the emblem of their office and name of the Province in the centre. The ‘undress’ version is ornamented with gold cord and is usually worn for normal meetings, while the ‘full dress’ version is ornamented with gold lace and is often worn for Installation meetings.

Aprons worn by Grand Officers Developing from the Provincial Grand Officers apron, the roundel in the middle with the name of the Province is replaced with the emblem of the holder, surrounded by a sprig of acacia and an ear of corn. Again, there is a ‘full’ dress and an ‘undress’ version.


‘Full Dress’ ‘undress’

Provincial and Grand Stewards These follow a similar design to that of the Provincial or Grand Officers’ apron, but are scarlet in colour.

Look up Rule 265 in the Book of Constitutions for a more detailed explanation of the various aprons. The design of aprons for visitors from other Constitutions will differ from those listed. Why do some people wear collars? Officers of the Lodge wear light blue collars with the jewel of their office attached. Past Masters wear light blue collars with a narrow

silver band in the centre and a square and the 47th

proposition in Euclid attached. Provincial and Grand Officers wear dark blue collars, with the jewel of their rank. Grand Officers and the Provincial Grand Officers have ‘full dress’ and ‘undress’ collars, the full dress collars being more ornate in design, especially for Grand Officers.


You will occasionally see someone wearing a chain instead of a collar. Chains are worn by the Provincial Grand Master, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters. Again, for further information, refer to the plates in the Book of Constitutions. Why do some people wear medals? The correct term is ‘jewel’ rather than ‘medal’ and four types are frequently worn. These are - Past Masters’ Jewels It is customary in some Lodges to present the Worshipful Master with a Past Master’s jewel at the end of his year in office, to thank him for his work during the year. The design of jewel often incorporates the emblem of the Lodge. Charity Festival Jewels Individuals who subscribe certain amounts to a Festival of one of the four national Masonic Charities, qualify as Stewards for that Festival. To mark this, they may wear the special Festival Jewel. Some of these jewels may only be worn for the duration of the Festival, whilst others receive permission from the Grand Master to be worn permanently. Centenary Jewels The Grand Master may grant the Lodge a Centenary Jewel when it

reaches its 100th

anniversary. This can be worn by Master Masons and above in the Lodge. For a Lodge which has reached its Bi- Centenary (200 years), a bar is added to the ribbon of the Centenary Jewel. Royal Arch Jewels These are worn by Freemasons who have completed their three Craft Degrees and taken that next, most important, step on the path of Pure Ancient Masonry, by joining the Holy Royal Arch. They are


expected to wear their Royal Arch Jewel when attending Craft meetings. Whilst the design of the jewel stays the same, the colours of the ribbon changes depending upon the progress of the mason (known as a Companion) through the Order. It should be worn to the right of, and takes precedence over, all other jewels. YOUR NEXT STEP. Your next step is to be ‘Raised’ into the Third degree. As in the former degree ceremony, you were asked certain questions before you could ‘pass’ into the Second Degree. This again requires you to answer questions leading from the Second to the Third degree. You are now required to learn the answers to the following questions forming the next part of the ritual in the Journey of a mason. As before, your Proposer or Seconder or Personal Mentor will help with the gaps/abbreviations. Enjoy your masonry. Provincial Grand Mentor.


Third Degree Questions and Answers (Abbreviated) W.M. How were you prepared to be passed to the Second Degree? Cand. In a manner somewhat similar to the former, save that in this Degree I was not h w, my l a, b and r k were made b and my l h was s s. W.M. On what were you admitted? Cand. The sq. W.M. What is a sq? Cand . An angle of ...dgs, or the f p of a c. W.M. What are the peculiar objects of research in this Degree? Cand. The hidden mysteries of Nature and Science. W.M. As it is the hope of reward that sweetens labour, where did our ancient Brethren go to receive their wages? Cand. Into the m c of K S T. W.M. How did they receive them? Cand. Without scruple or diffidence. W.M. Why in this peculiar manner? Cand. Without scruple, well knowing that they were justly entitled to them, and without diffidence, from the great reliance they placed on the integrity of their employers in those days. W.M. What were the names of the two great Ps which were placed at the p…way or e of K S T? Cand. That on the l was called …., and that on the r ……


W.M. What are there separate and conjoined significations? Cand. The former denotes in …….., the latter to ………; and when conjoined ………, for God said, ‘In …….. I will establish this Mine house to stand firm for ever’. EXPERIENCE RECORD SHT No2. Cand Bro…………………………… (Stage 3 After Passing) Mentor Bro…………………………… Item Subject Bro(tick) Mentor(tick) date_

1 Second Degree Tracing Board 2 Contents 3 Foreword 4 What is a Fellowcraft 5 Symbolical explanation of the ceremony of ‘Passing’ 6 The Second Degree ceremony 7 The Second Degree Tracing Board Short version) 8 W/tools (2nd Degree) 9 Masonic Symbolism 10 Charity is at the Heart of Freemasonry 11 The relationship between UGLE and the Provinces 12 Masonic Clothing - Aprons 13 “ - Collars 14 “ - Jewels 16 Third Degree Questions and answers (abbreviated


Any Comments…………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………. Inform Lodge Mentor……………………………………………date…………….

Notes________________________________________________


Copies of this publication are available from the:

The Provincial Grand Secretary's office


at Sindlesham Masonic Centre, Mole Road. Sindlesham, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5DB

Tel: 0118 9787625

the berkshire mentoring programme...masonic clothing aprons/collars/jewels 23 your next step 27...

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