Oriental Lodge No. 33, Grand Lodge of Illinois

News and Updates

News and Updates from the Lodge

Fellowcraft Degree

Celebrating New Fellowcrafts

On the evening of Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, we were privileged to pass three dedicated brothers to the degree of Fellowcraft. We extend our warmest congratulations to our new Fellowcrafts, who have taken another crucial step on their Masonic journey. Their dedication and enthusiasm has been evident since their first attendance at our lodge, and we can't wait to see their next step.

A Glimpse into the Fellowcraft Degree

Historically, the roots of Freemasonry are deeply embedded in the operative stonemasonry of the Middle Ages. In this era, Freemasonry was a practical and organized guild system dedicated to the architectural craft. A Fellowcraft in this context was a craftsman who had progressed beyond the apprentice level, mastering basic skills and demonstrating competence in the fundamental aspects of stonemasonry. The journey of an operative Fellowcraft was one of physical creation, contributing to the construction of edifices that have stood the test of time, such as cathedrals and castles, symbolizing growth, learning, and the pursuit of excellence in their craft.

As the time progressed, Freemasonry underwent a significant transformation from its operative origins to a more speculative, philosophical organization. This transition reflected broader changes in society, as the importance of guilds waned and intellectual and ethical inquiries gained prominence. In this new context, the Fellowcraft degree came to symbolize not the mastery of stonework but the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. The modern Fellowcraft is a seeker, a learner in the grand lodge of life, using the tools and symbols of the old stonemasons metaphorically to construct one's moral and ethical framework. This degree emphasizes the importance of intellectual growth, encouraging members to explore the liberal arts and sciences as a means of better understanding themselves and the world around them.

Anthony Popelka