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                           Basic Questions

How Old is Masonry?
     The earliest references and records of the Masonic fraternity are
fragmentary, and we are reduced to speculation in interpreting them. The
Regius Manuscript -- considered to have been written between 1380 and
1400, contains the elements of a Constitution of Masonry. This suggests
that an organization was evolving which was more ornate than a mere
grouping of tradesmen.
     During the Middle Ages there were persecutions and edicts directed
against both operative and speculative Masons. Thus it was prudent for
Masons to keep their identity and their business secret. As late as
1824, a lodge of Masons was raided in Granada, Spain. Seven Master
Masons who were present were hung, and a newly initiated Entered
Apprentice was sentenced to five years of hard labor. There was adequate
reason to keep their organization hidden.

Who Are FreeMasons?
     FreeMasons are men who have joined together in order to improve
themselves through the principles and ceremonies of the fraternity. They
endeavor to extend Masonic lessons into their daily lives in order to
become positive influences in their homes, communities, nation, and
throughout the world. They base their efforts on morality, justice,
charity, truth, and the laws of the Supreme Being. There are over
3,000,000 Masons in North America, and worldwide there are over
4,000,000 men who believe and support the same fundamental tenets.

What is a Masonic Building?
     A lodge is a meeting place for Masons. This place may be used by
Masons for regular business meetings, degree lessons, and social
activities. They are also used by other Masonic groups or even for
community activities. Lodge buildings or temples are often prominently
marked and recognized as special landmarks in the cities and towns of
North America.

What are Degrees?
     Lessons in Masonry are taught in three separate stages by our
symbolic lodges. The degrees, in order, are Entered Apprentice,
Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Each blends Masonic moral philosophy in
a unique lesson, which is intended to have serious impact and influence
on the man who receives it.

What are Blue Lodges?
     According to the writings of Masonic authorities, blue has from
ancient times been associated with truth, Deity, wisdom, and hope. Its
association is symbolic. Individual lodges are often called "Blue
Lodges".

What is a Candidate's First Step?
     After receiving the Entered Apprentice Degree, there are 3
qualities which every Entered Apprentice should possess if he is to
attain the full benefit and enjoyment of FreeMasonry. These are:
               Scholarship
               Humility
               Industriousness
     The Entered Apprentice should approach the experience of Masonry
with a sense of learning so those who are appointed to teach him can be
assured he wants to learn what is required of him before progressing
further. He must have a sense of humility so that he will not develop a
belief that he knows more than those who are assigned to teach him.
Finally, he must develop a spirit of industry, because FreeMasonry
desires candidates who want to know more about and improve themselves in
Masonry, to spend time learning  by reading available materials.

Where must a candidate first be prepared  to be made a Mason?
     Masonry is concerned with the building of your character in your
life. Working toward this goal must begin within your heart, for if your
heart is not ready, we cannot expect to make an exception on your mind.
Therefore, each candidate who comes seeking light must first be prepared
to be made a Mason in his heart .

               The Operative Entered Apprentice Degree

     As this is a Research Lodge, I thought I would give a little
information about the ceremonies of conferring the degrees in an
operative lodge. These ceremonies date back to before 926 A.D. and are
for entered apprentices only.
     The candidate was proposed by one Mason, seconded by another, and
supported by 5 more. The application was posted at the entrance of the
quarry for 14 days. On 3 occasions the applicant must stand by the
posting so that all might see him. When accepted, he had to appear on
the appointed day -- the 6th day of the week -- at high 12. He applies
at the door and is admitted after giving the proper password, which was
given to him. He is admitted onto a porch with double doors and takes an
oath not to reveal any part of the proceedings. He kisses the book and
puts his fee on the lower ledge of the foot stone.
     The Lodge room of the Operatives was different than what we know
today. It consisted of 3 Masters who sit in the West so they face east
and can see the rising son. The Senior Warden sits in the East so he can
see the setting sun, and the Junior Warden sits in the North so that he
can see the sun at meridian height. The altar is in the center of the
lodge with the letter G suspended over it, and the Rough Ashlar at the
east side. There are three Deacons present, one for the Masters and one
for each Warden.
     Inside the porch the candidate is divested of all money and is
hoodwinked. Three men come out of the lodge, divest him of his clothes,
and dirty him with mud. The doctor arrives and removes him of his
hoodwink. He is told to "Wash and be clean". The bath is ready and the
candidate baths. 7 times does he dip. The doctor then examines him to se
that he is sound in wind and limb and reports him "perfect in all his
parts". He is then elected by the "clean-hand" sign. He is clothed in a
white cloak (the origin of our symbolism of white), which signifies that
the candidate is "pure". The candidate is again hoodwinked and has a
blue cord looped around his neck, held by a man on either side. The neck
cord being longer than the center cord, the four men make a diamond,
with the candidate in the center. This diamond had a reference to
Operative Masonry, and the candidate and his four attendants make "5
points", which has another reference to Operative methods.
     The candidate now makes application at the inner door where he is
met by a man with a sword held to him. He is then admitted and led to
the North East corner, where he is questioned. (I will leave out the
questions but they have to do with the ancient craft guilds). He must
also profess a belief in God. He is then asked if he sees anything. He
replies no and the hoodwink is slightly adjusted so that he can see his
feet and the feet of the men around him so that he can see the track (or
tessellated border). He walks around it by putting 1 foot in front of
the other, toe to heel, and so on. This is called "end on work", or work
in line. He must make a perambulation once without failing. He meets
with some obstructions until he is finally at the rough ashlar where he
kneels and takes his oath.

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