In ancient times apprenticeship was a means by which young men could learn and advance themselves within a profession. Generally apprenticeship involved a seven year bonding with a skilled teacher and in many instances was a contractual agreement. The master was to teach and the apprentice was to serve and learn.   

 
    As early masonry focused on stone building there were three distinct stages associated with the process. There was the quarry work to obtained the freestone, the preparation of the  stone, and installation, so it was natural to understand why there would be three  separate skill levels required for apprenticeship. Likewise it is easy to understand there would be three sets of tools to be mastered in these areas.

 
    In the quarry, the entered apprentice would have to be trained in the measurement and rough preparation of stones. While other tools such as the maul and wedge would be used, the final tools would be the gauge and gavel. It would be in the quarries where the entered apprentice would labor to discipline himself in understanding the nature of stone and the difficulties in molding rough stone to become a part of a greater design.

 
    Once skilled, the apprentice would advance to the finishing of stone, wherein the object was to produce geometrically perfect shapes. The faces should be perfectly smooth, the edges sharp, and the angles clean. While there would be tools to smooth the various surfaces, the principal instruments would be the plumb for verticals, the level for surfaces, and the square for angles. Here the apprentice would labor to learn the art of pursuiting perfection and beauty.

    At last stage the apprentice would be brought to the building site and taught the skills required in molding the final edifice. Here mastery of all of the tools would be required, but the trowel would be the tool most valuable in the completion of the building. Knowledge of mathematics, geometry of construction, formulas and the art of mixtures would be taught at this stage, so that the apprentice truly would become a master of the craft and a true Freemason.

 
    When applied to speculative masonry the implements serve as constant symbolic reminders of the moral lessons of rough stone and youth; finish stone and manhood; and finally, fitted stone and age. The implements of gavel and gauge teach us to chip away at our moral flaws and use our time wisely. The plumb, level, and square draw our attention to rectitude of conduct, our interaction with others, and need for virtuous conduct at all times. The trowel gives cause to reflect upon the importance of spreading brotherly love to our Brothers and all about us.

 
    Finally as Masters of the Craft we are use all these implements as guides to our conduct and daily living, so that we will fulfill our obligations to achieve happiness, not only for ourselves, but for those about us. As living stones in the Universe of the Great Architect, we can have no greater goals.
 

Article written by Brother Robert Northcutt

The Grand Lodge of Texas Education and Service Committee