The First or Entered Apprentice Degree
Here is the second essay in the series to be used to inform any interested person about Freemasonry prior to their application/petition for membership
The journey to becoming a Master Mason is a profound and transformative experience that has shaped the lives of countless men throughout history. This journey begins with a crucial first step: becoming an Entered Apprentice. The Entered Apprentice degree, the 1st Degree in Freemasonry, serves as the foundation upon which all further Masonic knowledge and wisdom is built.
In this exploration of the Entered Apprentice degree, we will guide you through the process of becoming and growing as an Entered Apprentice:
First, we will examine the historical context and significance of the Entered Apprentice degree, setting the stage for understanding its importance in Freemasonry.
Next, we will describe the nature of the initiation ceremony, providing insight into this transformative experience.
Then, we will delve into the key lessons taught in the First Degree, exploring the fundamental principles that shape a Mason's journey.
Following that, we will discuss the nature of Masonic knowledge, clarifying common misconceptions about Masonic "secrets."
Finally, we will outline the expectations for continuous learning and growth as an Entered Apprentice, illustrating how these principles are applied in daily life.
By the end you will have a comprehensive understanding of the first step in the Masonic journey and how it lays the groundwork for further advancement in the Craft.
Becoming an Entered Apprentice
The Entered Apprentice degree, the first of three primary degrees in Freemasonry, has its roots deeply embedded in history. This degree originated from the practices of medieval stonemason guilds, where young men would be enrolled as apprentices to learn the craft of stonemasonry. As Freemasonry evolved from operative (practical) to speculative (philosophical) masonry in the 17th and 18th centuries, it adapted this system of apprenticeship, transforming it into a symbolic journey of moral and spiritual growth.
The term "Entered Apprentice" itself reflects this historical connection. In operative masonry, when a young man was accepted into the guild to begin his training, he was literally "entered" into the guild's rolls as an apprentice. In modern Freemasonry, this "entering" represents the candidate's first step into the fraternity and symbolizes the beginning of a man's Masonic education.
The significance of this degree cannot be overstated. It represents the symbolic birth of a Mason, marking the beginning of his journey in Freemasonry. When a man receives this degree, it signifies his initial acceptance into the fraternity and his commitment to its principles. It is the first step towards moral and spiritual enlightenment within the Masonic tradition.
The Nature of the Initiation Ceremony
The initiation ceremony for an Entered Apprentice is a solemn and meaningful experience. While the specific details of what happens during the ceremony are reserved for Masons, it is designed to make a lasting impression on the candidate, introducing him to Masonic symbolism and teachings in a profound way.
The ceremony typically involves:
Symbolic actions representing the candidate's entrance into Masonic life
Presentation of certain symbols and their explanations
Charges or lectures that impart important Masonic lessons
During this ceremony, the new Mason is also introduced to Masonic modes of recognition. However, these "secrets" are not what many might imagine. In Freemasonry, these primarily serve as a means of proving one's qualifications as a Mason to other Freemasons. Think of them as the Masonic equivalent of a resume, LinkedIn profile, or certificates of qualification in the modern professional world. These include specific words and handshakes that allow Masons to recognize each other, serving a practical purpose in preserving the integrity of the fraternity.
Key Lessons Taught in the First Degree
The Entered Apprentice degree introduces several core principles that are central to Freemasonry:
Personal Integrity and Moral Character: Freemasonry places great emphasis on the development of strong moral character. Entered Apprentices are taught the importance of honesty, reliability, and ethical behavior in all aspects of life. This focus on integrity helps Masons become better men and more valuable members of society.
Continuous Self-Improvement and Learning: The craft teaches that education is a lifelong pursuit. Entered Apprentices are encouraged to constantly seek knowledge and understanding, not just of Masonic principles, but of the world around them. This commitment to learning helps Masons grow intellectually and spiritually throughout their lives.
Charity and Brotherly Love: Freemasonry teaches the importance of caring for others. Entered Apprentices learn about the significance of charity, both in terms of financial giving and in showing kindness and compassion to all. The principle of brotherly love extends beyond fellow Masons to all of humanity.
Symbolism in Moral Teaching: The First Degree introduces Masons to the use of symbols as tools for conveying moral truths. Each symbol in Freemasonry has a deeper meaning, often relating to ethical or philosophical concepts. By studying and reflecting on these symbols, Entered Apprentices begin to understand complex ideas in tangible ways.
Balance of Rights and Responsibilities: Freemasonry teaches that with rights come responsibilities. Entered Apprentices learn about their duties to themselves, their families, their communities, and the fraternity. This balance helps Masons become more conscientious citizens and leaders.
These themes are not presented as mere abstract concepts. Instead, they are woven into allegories and symbolic lessons, encouraging new Masons to reflect deeply on their meanings and how they can be applied in daily life.
The Nature of Masonic Knowledge
It's crucial to understand that Masonic knowledge is not secret in the traditional sense, but rather "job-specific." Just as professionals in various fields possess specialized knowledge pertinent to their work, Masons have knowledge specific to Freemasonry.
For instance:
An electrician understands the intricacies of wiring systems and electrical codes.
A software engineer is versed in complex programming languages and algorithms.
A doctor has in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and medical procedures.
Similarly, Masons have "insider knowledge" about Masonic symbols, rituals, and philosophies. This knowledge is meant to be experienced and understood within the context of Masonic membership and progression. It's not kept hidden out of secrecy, but rather reserved for those who have committed to the Masonic journey and are prepared to understand its deeper meanings.
Expectations and Continuous Learning
Upon becoming an Entered Apprentice, a Mason embarks on a journey of continuous learning and self-improvement. This commitment to ongoing growth is a fundamental aspect of Freemasonry, emphasizing the importance of lifelong personal development. An Entered Apprentice is expected to:
Study and Reflect: New Masons are encouraged to deeply contemplate the lessons imparted during their initiation. This reflection helps internalize Masonic principles and apply them in daily life.
Learn Ritual Work: Entered Apprentices begin to learn small portions of Masonic ritual. This not only prepares them for future degrees but also helps them understand the structure and symbolism of Masonic ceremonies.
Understand Symbolism: A significant part of an Entered Apprentice's journey is learning to interpret and apply Masonic symbols. This develops critical thinking skills and deepens their understanding of Masonic philosophy.
Participate Actively: Involvement in lodge activities is crucial. This participation helps build bonds with fellow Masons and provides practical experience in applying Masonic principles.
Live Masonic Principles: Perhaps most importantly, Entered Apprentices are expected to demonstrate their commitment to Masonic ideals in their daily lives. This means striving to be better men, more ethical professionals, and more engaged community members.
Make Daily Progress: Freemasonry encourages its members to make some progress in Masonic knowledge each day, no matter how small. This could involve reading Masonic literature, discussing concepts with fellow Masons, or simply reflecting on how to better apply Masonic principles in daily life.
These expectations are not burdensome rules, but rather guidelines to help new Masons integrate Masonic teachings into their lives. They provide a framework for personal growth and prepare Entered Apprentices for further advancement within the fraternity.
Next Steps
The journey of an Entered Apprentice is one of awakening – to new ideas, to a deeper understanding of oneself, and to the potential for positive change in the world. It sets the stage for a lifelong commitment to learning, self-improvement, and service to others, embodying the core principles that have made Freemasonry a respected and enduring fraternity throughout the centuries.
In order to become a Master Mason, the Entered Apprentice must be passed to the Second or Fellowcraft degree, which typically takes around 6 to 8 months. This period allows sufficient time for the new Mason to absorb and demonstrate understanding of the foundational principles. Once an Entered Apprentice has shown proficiency in the lessons and knowledge of the 1st Degree, he may be eligible to be passed to the 2nd Degree, continuing his path towards becoming a Master Mason.