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Masonic News & Views - Fellow Craft Symbolism July 09, 2012 |
| Greetings Brother, This week we continue our study of the Fellow Craft degree of Freemasonry by delving a little deeper into the symbolism and what it means to be a Fellow of the Craft. 
What is the symbolism of the Jewels of a Fellow Craft? The symbolism refers chiefly to knowledge, for by the ear one receives information and instruction, and by the tongue one passes along hard-earned wisdom to the attentive ear of a brother. And the faithful breast alludes not only to the safekeeping of Masonic secrets, but symbolizes once again the fact that the Fellow Craft is fully capable of bearing the duties of life, and can be trusted to do so. What are the actual wages of a Fellow Craft? Corn, wine, and oil, symbolize the wealth of life in mental and spiritual, rather than financial realms. In the Old Testament, these constituted material wealth. In Freemasonry, CORN represents plenty, referring to opportunity, friends, work; WINE represents health, spirituality, peace; OIL represents joy, happiness, gladness. Together, corn, wine, and oil represent the rewards of a good life. They are also the elements of consecration used in Masonic cornerstone ceremonies and in the constitution, dedication, and consecration of a new Lodge. In the United States the word CORN is used when referring to Indian maize, the corn which grows so abundantly. Most candidates, therefore, are confused when they hear reference to a sheaf of corn and then see it represented by a sheaf of wheat. In most parts of the world, however, the word corn is used in its generic sense and refers to any small grain, such as wheat, barley, or oats. In Masonic ceremonies, corn refers to grain of wheat. What are the responsibilities of a Fellow Craft? To the responsibilities of an Entered Apprentice have been added those contained in the obligation of a Fellow Craft. The extent to which these responsibilities have been expanded will be clarified by careful review of the obligations of both degrees. But a Fellow Craft’s duties extend beyond a literal interpretation of the obligation he has taken. He now is committed to "the acquisition of knowledge and the fruitful application thereof, so he may occupy a useful and honored position in society." The Fellow Craft represents manhood in its most splendid conception and its greatest responsibility. He understands the immensity of the tasks before him and approaches them with the joy of one who is competent and resolved to conquer. His family depends upon him for support. The business world looks to him for judgment and guidance. The community needs his aid and advice in promoting the moral and spiritual welfare of its people. He is a patron of the arts and sciences. He is untiring in his zeal to promote freedom and justice. There stands the Fellow Craft strong in body, soul, and spirit, and competent to cope with all of life's realities. As candidates in Freemasonry, in our haste to become a Master Mason, we often give only cursory consideration to the Fellow Craft degree. Just as in life we often focus much of our time and energy on that next level of accomplishment without truly appreciating the blessings we have at hand. Thank you for being a part of the most important time of my life. Fraternally yours, Tim Couch Source information from Handbook of Freemasonry - Missouri Masonic gifts and goodies for your pleasure. Now, on with the news........................ Monday, July 9, 2012: Branson Lodge No. 587 will meet in Special Communication for work in the 2nd Degree of Freemasonry. Dinner at 5:30 and Lodge will be duly Opened at 6:00 PM. The KCCH Club of the Scottish Rite Valley of Joplin has a surplus of popcorn available for immediate distribution. This is microwave popcorn sold by the case at a very reasonable price. If you or your organization could use a good fund raising event give Brother Rives a call at 417-437-2799. Thursday, July 12, 2012: Forsyth Lodge No. 453 will have work in the 2nd Degree of Freemasonry in conjunction with their stated meeting. Brother Clint Gailey will be presented for advancement to the degree of Fellow Craft. Dinner at 6:00 and Lodge will be duly Opened at 7:00 PM. Saturday, July 14, 2012: Temple Chapter No. 95 O.E.S. and Fellowship Lodge No. 345 A.F.& A.M. will host a MOCHIP Event today from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 505 Byers Avenue in Joplin, Missouri. For more information on the Missouri Child Identification & Protection (MOCHIP) program visit www.mochip.org. Tuesday, July 17, 2012: Ava Lodge No. 26 will meet in Special Communication for work in the 2nd Degree of Freemasonry. Brother Donny Collins is scheduled to be passed to the degree of Fellow Craft. Dinner at 6:00 and Lodge will be duly Opened at 6:30 PM. There will be no meeting of the Buckeye Ritual Club in July. Meetings will recommence in August. Friday, July 20, 2012: The Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill will be conferred upon worthy candidates by Ozark Order #109 at the Gate of the Temple Lodge building located at 1700 North Boonville in Springfield, MO.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012: Ava Lodge No. 26 will meet in Special Communication for work in the 3rd Degree of Freemasonry. Brothers Dylan Alcorn and Lawson Curtis are scheduled to be Raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Dinner at 6:00 and Lodge will be duly Opened at 6:30 PM. All Master Masons are invited in. Tuesday, July 31, 2012: Ava Lodge No. 26 will meet in Special Communication for work in the 3rd Degree of Freemasonry. Brother Andy Mcloud is scheduled to be Raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Dinner at 6:00 and Lodge will be duly Opened at 6:30 PM. All Master Masons are invited in. Monday, August 6, 2012: The Metropolitan Scottish Rite Club will meet at Logan's Roadhouse, 1110 East Battlefield Road in Springfield, MO. We will have fellowship and dinner at 6:00 and the meeting to follow about 7:00 PM. This is a very important meeting as we will be electing officers. Please try to attend. Friday, August 10, 2012: Most Worshipful Brother John W. Hess, Grand Master of Missouri Masons, will travel to Ava Lodge No. 26 to participate in the Raising of Brother Donny Collins. All Master Masons are invited in. Dinner at 6:00 and Lodge will be duly Opened at 6:30 PM. Saturday, August 25, 2012: United Lodge No. 5 will host a Conceal Carry Weapons Class from 8:00 AM to about 5:00 PM. Instruction will begin at the Masonic York Rite Temple, 1930 West Catalpa Street in Springfield, MO, and move to a location near Fair Grove, MO after lunch for the live-fire portion of the class.
Saturday, September 8, 2012: Save the date! The 2012 KCCH Memorial RiteCare Golf Tournament will be held at Deer Lake Golf Course in Springfield, MO. All proceeds will go to support the RiteCare Speech and Language Clinics and services right here in southwest Missouri. It's a worthy cause and a good time. Please do what you can to help the kids. Click here to open and save a flier for the event. As you can see there's lots of Masonry going on in Missouri. See the links below to keep up with the latest or to submit information for your upcoming meeting or event. For help locating a lodge building visit the Missouri Masonic Lodge Map page on Masonsmart.com
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