News, Updates & Events

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Brethren,

You are cordially invited to a special evening of honor and Brotherhood as we present a 60-Year Masonic Service Pin to our distinguished Brother D. "Baldy" Cornwell. Join us as we celebrate his remarkable journey in Freemasonry, six decades of dedication, service, and light.

Location: Bentonville Lodge # 56
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 22nd Dinner @ 6PM Presentation @ 7pm

Let’s fill the lodge with fellowship and gratitude as we pay tribute to Brother Cornwell's unwavering commitment to the Craft. Dinner will be provided before the presentation.

RSVP appreciated at the following link https://calendar.app.google/qMw1AzN5f1vPbUjNA

We humbly ask for a 10$ Dinner Donation to combat the rising costs of food and goods.

The History of the Fellowcraft Mason

Freemasonry, one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the world, is structured into three symbolic degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Each of these degrees represents a stage in the Masonic journey, with the Fellowcraft degree being the second and often regarded as a bridge between the foundational lessons of the Entered Apprentice and the deeper mysteries of the Master Mason.

The term "Fellowcraft" historically referred to an operative mason who had advanced beyond an apprentice and had acquired significant skills in the craft. In medieval stonemason guilds, a fellowcraft was a journeyman, qualified to work on projects but not yet a master. As Freemasonry transitioned from an operative to a speculative fraternity in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Fellowcraft degree evolved into a philosophical step, emphasizing education, intellectual growth, and personal development.

The Fellowcraft degree is rich in symbolism, particularly related to knowledge, wisdom, and the pursuit of enlightenment. It emphasizes the importance of education and moral refinement, urging Masons to seek understanding of both the material and spiritual worlds. Central to this degree is the symbolism of the working tools, the winding staircase, and the pillars of Solomon’s Temple, all of which convey lessons about the journey of self-improvement and the duties of a Mason.

In the Masonic tradition, the Fellowcraft degree represents maturity in the craft and signifies that a Mason has gained deeper insight into the moral and intellectual responsibilities of the fraternity. The lessons encourage members to cultivate knowledge, apply reason, and prepare themselves for the final stage of their journey—the Master Mason degree. It is a time for reflection, self-improvement, and the application of Masonic principles in daily life.

Over the centuries, the Fellowcraft degree has remained an essential part of the Masonic experience, preserving the wisdom of the past while adapting to the changing needs of its members. While the core teachings have remained intact, different Masonic jurisdictions may present variations in the ritual and interpretation, enriching the diversity of Masonic traditions worldwide.

The Fellowcraft degree stands as a vital step in a Mason’s progression, bridging the foundational lessons of the Entered Apprentice with the profound responsibilities of the Master Mason. Its history reflects the evolution of Freemasonry from a guild of medieval stonemasons to a fraternity devoted to the moral and intellectual advancement of its members. By embracing the lessons of the Fellowcraft, Masons continue the timeless journey of enlightenment and self-betterment, honoring the traditions of the craft while preparing for the greater mysteries that lie ahead.