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The Middle Chamber->
     In modern FreeMasonry, the Middle Chamber is the symbolic place of
reward. Historically, this is thought of as the place where the
Fellowcraft met to receive wages for their labours on the Temple of
Solomon.
     They assembled on the evening of the sixth day of the week and
those who were entitled to the wages of a Fellowcraft were invested with
certain mysterious signs, tokens, and a word which enabled them to pass
the inner and outer guards and to enter the Middle Chamber. If they did
not have the proper identification, they did not get into the Middle
Chamber or receive wages.

King Solomon's Temple->
     FreeMasonry did not originate in the Temple of Jerusalem, but our
rituals are enriched by reference to this magnificent structure. For a
full description of the Temple, one should read the accounts found in
the First Book of Kings, chapters 5 through 8, and the record of another
writer found in the First Book of Kings, beginning in the 2nd chapter.

The Letter G->
     The letter G is a symbol of geometry and also of Deity. By the
letter G, we are reminded that our every act is done in the sight of the
Supreme Being and that Divine Providence is over all of our lives. To
the operative craftsman, geometry portrayed the order and harmony of
parts found in the universe. It also provided the principles of design
and construction whereby he laboured.

The Responsibilities of a Fellowcraft->
     The Fellowcraft is reminded that he is to acquire knowledge and
apply that knowledge to his duties in life so that he can fill his place
in society with satisfaction and honour.

                      The Master Mason's Degree

Masonic Visitation->
     Visitation at other Lodges is a right acquired when the visitor
proves himself to be a Mason in good standing and if no member of the
Lodge being visited objects. In order to gain admission to another Lodge
one should carry documentary evidence (something with a Lodge seal on
it) with one at all times.
     Visitation rights to another Lodge can be gained in two ways.
First, by undergoing "strict trial and due examination", or second, by
being vouched for by a Brother of the Lodge being visited.
     Undergoing examination usually consists of the visitor showing his
dues card and being examined by a committee appointed by the Worshipful
Master. The examination is made to satisfy the committee that the
visitor is a Master Mason and able to partake in the meeting without
embarrassment to himself. After the examination, the committee will
vouch for the visitor in an open Lodge.

Masonic Burial->
     Masonic funeral rites are conducted only at the request of some
member of a Mason's immediate family or the member. The choice belongs
to the family and not to the Lodge. These rites can be held in the
church, the funereal home, or at graveside.

                       Meaning of the Degrees

Why do Candidates wear special garments?
     The wearing of special garments during each of the in Masonry is
part of being "duly and truly prepared. These garments are furnished by
the Lodge in order to emphasize our concern  with a man's internal
qualities rather than his worldly wealth and honors. By wearing the
garments of humility the candidate signifies the sincerity of his
intentions.

What are the Symbols of Masonry?
     Most of the great lessons of FreeMasonry are imparted by symbols
which were carefully selected by our Masonic forefathers. In this degree
the candidate is introduced to the following symbols:
          the hoodwink             the rite of Perambulation
          the Cable-tow            the Altar
          the Entrance             the Worshipful Master
          the reception            the Great Light of FreeMasonry
          the Holy Saints-John     the Obligation
          Form of a Lodge          the Apron
          the rite of Destitution  the Charge
          the Working Tools        the Lectures
          the Northeast Corner     King Solomon's Temple

Why should Masons study the Emblems of Masonry?
     The emblems express Masonic truths in ways that words alone cannot.
By reflecting on the symbolic meaning it is hoped that the Entered
Apprentice will apply their teachings to his daily life. The Entered
Apprentice should study all of the emblems of the degree, for each is
important and should be thoroughly understood by him. For example, the
lambskin or white apron is often a symbol of innocence. The twenty-four
inch gauge is a symbol for the twenty-four hours of the day. A wise use
of time is suggested by this emblem.

What is the Tyler and why is he outside the Lodge room?
     The Tyler guards the avenues approaching the lodge. A lodge is said
to be duly tyled when the necessary precautions have been taken to guard
against intrusion by cowans, eavesdroppers, or other unauthorized
persons. (A cowan is one who tries to masquerade as a Mason; not having
learned the work, but stating that he has in order to gain admittance.
An eavesdropper is one who tries to steal the secrets of our Craft.)

Why is a lodge always opened with a prayer?
     No lodge can be opened or closed without a prayer which is offered
by the Chaplain. The wording of these prayers attempt to avoid
sectarianism in the lodge. Following Amen, each member responds with the
words "So Mote It Be", meaning "So May It Ever Be".

What are the Rights of a Master Mason->
     These consist of Masonic Relief, Masonic Visitation, and Masonic
Burial.

Masonic Relief->
     Masonic Relief may be applied for by any Brother -- either to his
own Lodge or to an individual Master Mason. In every case, the
individual has the right to determine the worthiness of the request and
whether such aid can be granted without material injury to his own
family.
     Relief is a voluntary function of both the Lodge and the
individual. The Brother requesting relief has no vested interest in the
Lodge or claim upon any individual Master Mason.
     If a Brother happens to become destitute while in a strange city,
he can apply for assistance to a local Board of Relief or through the
Masonic Relief Association of the United States or Canada. They will
contact a local Lodge and explain the situation to one of the officers.

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