Within the Fraternity it is easy to understand that an “Entered Apprentice” is a beginning Mason, but there are far deeper expectations and history to this beginning. First, an apprentice is one who traditionally worked for a set time in order to learn a trade or profession from one who was knowledgeable in the trade and who would serve as a teacher. This system of teaching was well known in ancient civilizations, such as Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and in Asia, and was particularly evident in the training of stonemasons.

 
    A key feature of this form of learning is the practical aspect on learning by doing and of the exchange of culture, tradition, and social knowledge associated with the craft. This form of education was systematically developed in the Middle Ages and came to be supervised by the craft guilds and local town governments, wherein we see the system of Lodges associated with the operative Freemasons.

 
    To become an operative apprentice, generally a young man, usually 14 or 21 years old and unmarried, would contract with a Master to work toward becoming a Master and obtain their own workshop. The length of time usually was 7 years and the Master furnished shelter, food, and possibly a small wage. Certainly the early contracts were verbal, but later an indenture, or written contract, usually in duplicate would be used. Notably Brothers Paul Revere and Benjamin Franklin were apprenticed, Revere as a silversmith and Franklin as a printer. Franklin did not finish his apprenticeship due to disagreements with his master, who was an older brother.

 
    When operative masonry moved to the speculative format in the 1700’s, the concept of the apprentice took on a most important role, namely that of becoming a true Mason, a Master of those moral, ethical, and spiritual skills necessary to achieve happiness. As in ancient times, the potential apprentice approached the Craft and petitions entry. Expectations of freedom of choice and good reputation are required and most importantly, a willingness to labor or work in order to learn and improve.

 
    While time was a specific for the operative mason, along with proficiency, the speculative Mason should be aware that worthiness is a more important facet for advancement. Each step in gaining knowledge of the forms, traditions, and culture of Masonry should come with an increased understanding of the responsibilities of being a Mason. In England, early apprentices were required to demonstrate a proof of their proficiency and this was submitted to gain approval as a “Master” or “Freemen” of the craft. As we progress through the various levels of apprenticeship and proficiencies toward becoming a Master Mason, we should be fully aware that we are building a spiritual Temple and that our character, actions, and very being are the living proofs of our mastery of the lessons of Masonry, our obligations, ourselves, and our Craft.

Brother Robert Northcutt

Grand Lodge of  Texas Masonic Education and Services Committee