Masonic 2nd Degree Questions And Answers

Masonic 2nd Degree Questions and Answers

The Masonic second degree, known as the Fellowcraft degree, represents a significant milestone in a Mason's journey through the ancient fraternity. This degree builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in the Entered Apprentice degree while introducing new symbols, philosophical concepts, and responsibilities. The examination process for this degree is designed to ensure candidates have properly internalized the teachings and can articulate their understanding of Masonic principles. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most common questions asked during the second degree examination and provide insightful answers that demonstrate the depth of knowledge expected from a Fellowcraft Mason.

The Journey to the Second Degree

Advancement to the Fellowcraft degree is not merely a formality but a meaningful progression in Masonic education. A Mason must have served as an Entered Apprentice for a minimum period, typically six months, though this varies by jurisdiction. During this time, the candidate is expected to actively participate in lodge activities, study Masonic teachings, and demonstrate proficiency in the first degree work before being considered for advancement.

The examination process serves multiple purposes: it confirms the candidate's retention of previous knowledge, assesses their understanding of new material, and prepares them for the increased responsibilities that come with the Fellowcraft degree. This examination is typically conducted by a committee of experienced Masons who evaluate the candidate's knowledge, understanding, and commitment to Masonic principles.

Common Questions in the Second Degree Examination

Questions about Masonic Symbols

What are the working tools of a Fellowcraft Mason and what do they represent?

The working tools of a Fellowcraft Mason are the square, level, and plumb. Each tool carries profound symbolic meaning:

• The square teaches us to square our actions by the square of virtue, emphasizing moral uprightness and ethical behavior in all dealings.
• The level reminds us that we are all equal in the sight of the Great Architect of the Universe, regardless of social status, wealth, or position.
• The plumb symbolizes the importance of staying upright in our conduct and maintaining rectitude in all our actions and thoughts.

Explain the symbolism of the pillars Jachin and Boaz.

The pillars Jachin and Boaz, which stood at the entrance to King Solomon's Temple, represent important Masonic concepts:

• Jachin (meaning "He will establish") represents establishment and stability, symbolizing the strength and permanence of the Masonic institution.
• Boaz (meaning "In him is strength") represents strength and support, signifying the support that Masons provide to one another and to the broader community.

Together, these pillars signify the balanced approach to Masonic life, combining strength with stability, and representing the duality that exists in many aspects of Masonic philosophy.

Questions about Rituals and Procedures

What is the significance of the Middle Chamber lecture in the Fellowcraft degree?

The Middle Chamber lecture is one of the most significant portions of the Fellowcraft degree, representing the Mason's intellectual and spiritual development. The journey to the Middle Chamber symbolizes the progress from ignorance to knowledge, from darkness to light. The lecture emphasizes the importance of education, self-improvement, and the pursuit of knowledge as essential components of Masonic development.

The wages earned in the Middle Chamber—corn, wine, and oil—represent the rewards of Masonic education:

• Corn symbolizes nourishment for the mind, representing the sustenance gained from knowledge.
• Wine symbolizes refreshment and joy, representing the satisfaction that comes from intellectual and spiritual growth.
• Oil symbolizes light and joy, representing the enlightenment that comes from understanding Masonic principles.

Describe the significance of the steps in the Fellowcraft degree.

The winding stairs leading to the Middle Chamber consist of five, three, and seven steps, totaling fifteen steps, which carry significant symbolic meaning:

• The five steps represent the five orders of architecture (Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite) or the five human senses.
• The three steps represent the three great lights of Masonry (the Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses) or the three principal officers of a lodge.
• The seven steps represent the seven liberal arts and sciences (grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy) or the seven virtues.

The winding nature of the stairs represents life's journey with its ups and downs, while the progression upward signifies the Mason's continual advancement in knowledge and understanding.

Questions about Masonic History and Principles

What is the significance of the Fellowcraft degree in relation to the liberal arts and sciences?

The Fellowcraft degree places special emphasis on the seven liberal arts and sciences, which have been valued throughout history as essential components of a well-rounded education. These disciplines represent the pursuit of knowledge and understanding that Masons are encouraged to pursue:

• Grammar teaches us to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Rhetoric enables us to express our thoughts persuasively.
• Logic helps us reason correctly and make sound judgments.
• Arithmetic teaches us the principles of order and accuracy.
• Geometry represents the perfection of the Great Architect's work and the order of the universe.
• Music symbolizes harmony and the beauty of creation.
• Astronomy represents our relationship with the divine and the order of the cosmos.

By studying these disciplines, Masons develop not only intellectual abilities but also character and moral understanding.

Explain the relationship between the Fellowcraft degree and the concept of light in Masonry.

Light is one of the most fundamental symbols in Freemasonry, representing knowledge, truth, and enlightenment. In the Fellowcraft degree, this symbolism is particularly emphasized:

• The candidate is introduced to the concept of moving from darkness to light, symbolizing the transition from ignorance to knowledge.
• The letter "G" in the Masonic symbol represents both God and Geometry, with geometry being described as the "noblest of sciences" and the basis of all arts and sciences.
• The Fellowcraft is encouraged to let his light shine, both within the lodge and in the world, through good works and moral conduct.

This emphasis on light reflects the Masonic commitment to the pursuit of truth and the importance of enlightenment in personal and societal development.

Sample Answers to Second Degree Questions

When answering questions in the Fellowcraft examination, it's important to demonstrate not just rote memorization but a genuine understanding of the concepts being discussed. Here are examples of how to approach different types of questions:

Question: "What does it mean to 'square your actions by the square of virtue'?

Answer: "To square our actions by the square of virtue means to align our behavior with the highest moral principles. The square, as one of the working tools of a Fellowcraft Mason, serves as a practical reminder that we should measure

...by the square of virtue means to align our behavior with the highest moral principles. The square, as one of the working tools of a Fellowcraft Mason, serves as a practical reminder that we should measure our intentions and actions against an unyielding standard of integrity, ensuring our conduct is "right-angled" and upright in all our dealings.

Beyond the individual tools, the Fellowcraft degree is rich with allegory that charts the Mason’s intellectual and moral journey. Central to this is the symbolism of the Winding Staircase leading to the Middle Chamber. This ascent represents the laborious but rewarding climb of education and self-improvement. The steps are not a straight, easy path but a winding one, signifying that true knowledge requires effort, perseverance, and the overcoming of obstacles. The Middle Chamber itself is a metaphor for the inner sanctuary of the mind and conscience, where the Mason, having equipped himself with the liberal arts and sciences, prepares to receive further light and take on greater responsibilities within the lodge and society. This journey underscores that Masonic education is not passive but an active, lifelong pursuit.

The practical application of these lessons extends to the five senses, which are also discussed in the degree. Masons are taught to use their senses wisely: seeing with discernment, hearing with attention, speaking with truth, smelling with appreciation for the good, and tasting with moderation. This framework encourages a mindful engagement with the world, preventing the senses from becoming avenues for vice or distraction. It reinforces the idea that enlightenment is achieved through the disciplined and ethical use of all our faculties.

Furthermore, the degree introduces the concept of "paying the workmen"—a powerful allegory for recognizing and rewarding merit, supporting the collective endeavor, and understanding one's role within a larger community. It teaches that the progress of the individual is inseparable from the progress of the whole, and that a true Fellowcraft contributes to the common good, ensuring the "temple" of society is built on a foundation of fairness and mutual respect.

Sample Answer to a Follow-up Question: Question: "How does the symbolism of the Winding Staircase apply to a Mason's daily life?" Answer: "The Winding Staircase teaches that personal growth is rarely linear or effortless. In our daily lives, this reminds us that setbacks and challenges are part of the educational process. Just as the staircase winds, our path to competence and wisdom requires us to adapt, persist through difficulty, and remain focused on the goal—the 'Middle Chamber' of our own potential. It encourages patience and resilience, affirming that the value lies as much in the climb as in the destination."

In conclusion, the Fellowcraft degree is far more than a ceremonial step; it is a profound educational blueprint. It transforms abstract concepts like the liberal arts and the symbolism of light into a concrete program for character building. By weaving together the tools of the craft, the allegory of the staircase, and the disciplined use of the senses, it provides a Mason with a holistic framework for navigating both the inner life and the external world. It marks the transition from receiving foundational truths to actively engaging with the complexities of knowledge and morality, ultimately preparing the individual to become a more enlightened, capable, and contributive

member of society. The degree's enduring relevance lies in its invitation to every Mason to continue climbing, to seek understanding, and to use that understanding in the service of both self and community. It is a call to lifelong learning, ethical living, and the pursuit of wisdom—a journey that, like the Winding Staircase, is as rewarding in its challenges as it is in its achievements.