What is Fellowcraft?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 20, 2026
Definition of fellowcraft
What is the Fellowcraft degree?
In Freemasonry, the fellowcraft degree represents the transition from youth to adulthood whereby lessons, skills, and moral character are further refined to prepare for the tasks and challenges ahead. 1 Each degree is taught through unique working tools.
What are the 3 degrees to be a Freemason?
Symbolically, the three Degrees represent the three stages of human development: Youth, manhood, and maturity or old age. These are not educational Degrees, and no dissertation is required.
What does the G stand for in Mason?
The Masonic Letter 'G' is a letter that represents God and Geometry. It is a reminder to every Freemason that every act they carry out is done in the presence of God, the Master Architect of the Universe. 'G' represents the letters four and science five.
What are the ranks in Mason?
There are three degrees of Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. These degrees are the three ceremonial stages that a man must complete to become a full member of the Masonic fraternity. Collectively, these degrees are known as the symbolic lodge (often called blue lodge).
20 related questions foundWhat's a 33 degree Mason?
A 33rd Degree Mason is a Master Mason who has exhibited knowledge, passion and sacrifice to his Craft. A Supreme Council awards the 33rd Degree as a way of honoring outstanding and selfless work performed in the Rite or in public life.
What finger do Masons wear their ring on?
The pinky finger is mostly acceptable for wearing your ring and it becomes even more acceptable the further up in the tradition you advance. The symbol of the compass should be worn facing towards you only if you are a newer member because it shows you are taking the pledge to the tradition seriously.
How do Masons identify each other?
The secrets of Freemasonry are the various modes of recognition – grips (handshakes), passwords and signs (hand gestures) that indicate one is a Freemason.
What is Masons handshake?
Freemasons greet one another with a variety of handshakes, all based on one's rank within the organization. “There is a handshake for each degree: Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master, i.e., the first three degrees and also in the higher degrees,” says Révauger.
Can you be a Catholic and a Mason?
Masonic bodies do not ban Catholics from joining if they wish to do so. There has never been a Masonic prohibition against Catholics joining the fraternity, and some Freemasons are Catholics, despite the Catholic Church's prohibition of joining the freemasons.
How do you become a Mason?
Freemasonry will take these men, already good men in our community, and help make them better men.
...
There are few other requirements. You must:
- Be a man age 21 or older (although women & younger people can join related groups),
- Believe in a Supreme Being,
- A belief in the immortality of the soul,
- Live an ethical life, and.
What do you get from being a Freemason?
When you become a Freemason, you begin your journey toward being a better man. You will build rich, meaningful relationships with your Brothers, commit to the service of those around you, and strive for a deeper, more honest connection with yourself and others. It's a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
Who is the most famous Freemason?
A List of Famous Freemasons In History
- Benjamin Franklin. Prominent scientist, inventor, and civic activist, the United States founding father Benjamin Franklin is perhaps one of the most famous Freemasons. ...
- George Washington. ...
- Sir Joseph Banks. ...
- Winston Churchill. ...
- Franklin D. ...
- J. ...
- Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. ...
- Voltaire.
What is the obligation of a Fellowcraft Mason?
So help me, God, and keep me steadfast in the due observance of this, my solemn obligation as a Fellowcraft Mason. What were you then told to do? Detach my hands, bow my head, and in token of my sincerity, kiss the Holy Bible upon which I had been obligated.
What is a Masonic square?
The square, or builder's square, is two equal flat-edged metal or wooden arms fixed that form a perfect “right angle” – or 90-degree angle. This tool is critical in stonemasonry because it allows craftsmen to draw and carve perfect square corners.
What are the jewels of a Fellowcraft?
The three precious jewels of a Fellow Craft Mason—the attentive ear, the instructive tongue, and the faithful breast.
Can a woman be a Mason?
As a general rule, the admission of women is now recognised in Continental (Grand Orient) jurisdictions. In Anglo-American Freemasonry, neither mixed nor all-female lodges are officially recognised, although unofficial relations can be cordial, with premises sometimes shared.
Who are Freemason members?
Freemasonry is a members club, which, at 300 years old, is said to be one of the oldest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. They do give money to charity, but outside of that, it is not clear as to why people actually join the Freemasons.
Are Shriners the same as Masons?
All Shriners are Masons, but not all Masons are Shriners
Shriners International is a spin-off from Freemasonry, the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternity in the world. Freemasonry dates back hundreds of years to when stonemasons and other craftsmen gathered after work in shelter houses, or lodges.
What is the son of a Mason called?
In Speculative Masonic language, the son of an English Mason is called a Lewis, but in our country the use of this term in not as well known in modern times.
What is a 32 degree Mason?
What Is 32° Freemasonry? It is a branch of Freemasonry designed to supplement and amplify the philosophical teachings of the first three degrees conferred in the Symbolic Lodge.
What does Boaz mean in Masonry?
According to the Bible, Boaz (Hebrew: בֹּעַז Bōʿaz) and Jachin ( יָכִין Yāḵīn) were two copper, brass or bronze pillars which stood on the porch of Solomon's Temple, the first Temple in Jerusalem. They are used as symbols in Freemasonry and sometimes in religious architecture.
How long does it take to become Master Mason?
Climbing the ranks to Master Mason takes months or years.
The length of time this takes depends on your lodge and how much time you have available. A few months is typical in many US lodges, while liberal-style lodges often add and expect the process to take at least 2 years.
Who is the current leader of the Freemasons?
In England and Wales, the current Grand Master is Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who was elected in 1967 and has been re-elected each year since.
Who founded the Freemasons?
Oliver Cromwell emerges as the founder of Freemasonry in an anonymous anti-masonic work of 1745, commonly attributed to Abbé Larudan.