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The Principles of Masonic Law / A Treatise on the Constitutional Laws, Usages and Landmarks of Freemasonry cover

The Principles of Masonic Law / A Treatise on the Constitutional Laws, Usages and Landmarks of Freemasonry

Chapter 78: Chapter III.
By Albert Gallatin Mackey
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About This Book

The treatise systematically sets out the constitutional and customary rules governing Freemasonry, distinguishing unwritten ancient usages from written statutes and listing authoritative sources. It provides a historical sketch and detailed guidance on organizing grand lodges, the roles, powers, and responsibilities of their officers, and the legislative, judicial, and executive functions of masonic jurisdictions. It then addresses subordinate lodges, their officers and procedures, rules of order, and administrative practices. Finally it treats individual membership: qualifications, petitions, balloting, probation, degrees, and the rights and duties of apprentices, fellow crafts, and master masons, with attention to landmarks and masonic jurisprudence.

Chapter III.

Of the Rights of Fellow Crafts.

In ancient times there were undoubtedly many rights attached to the second degree which have now become obsolete or been repealed; for formerly the great body of the fraternity were Fellow Crafts, and according to the old charges, even the Grand Master might be elected from among them. The Master and Wardens of Subordinate Lodges always were. Thus we are told that no Brother can be Grand Master, "unless he has been a Fellow Craft before his election," and in the ancient manner of constituting a lodge, contained in the Book of Constitutions,78 it is said that "the candidates, or the new Master and Wardens, being yet among the Fellow Crafts, the Grand Master shall ask his Deputy if he has examined them," etc. But now that the great body of the Fraternity consists of Master Masons, the prerogatives of Fellow Crafts are circumscribed within limits nearly as narrow as those of Entered Apprentices. While, however, Apprentices are not permitted to speak or vote, in ancient times, and up, indeed, to a very late date. Fellow Crafts were entitled to take a part in any discussion in which the lodge, while open in the first or second degree, might engage, but not to vote. This privilege is expressly stated by Preston, as appertaining to a Fellow Craft, in his charge to a candidate, receiving that degree.

"As a Craftsman, in our private assemblies you may offer your sentiments and opinions on such subjects as are regularly introduced in the Lecture, under the superintendence of an experienced Master, who will guard the landmark against encroachment."79

This privilege is not now, however, granted in this country to Fellow Crafts. All, therefore, that has been said in the preceding chapter, of the rights of Entered Apprentices, will equally apply, mutatis mutandis, to the rights of Fellow Crafts.