Introduction To Freemasonry
At your leisure hours, that you may improve in Masonic knowledge, you are to converse with well-informed brethren, who will always be as ready to give, as you will be ready to receive, instruction.
These words from the Charge to an Entered Apprentice set forth the purpose of the three little books, of which this is the first: to give to the initiate, in his leisure hours, some “instruction” and information about the Fraternity not wholly imparted in the ceremonies of initiation.
These volumes are intended as simple introductions to the study of the Ancient Craft; the interested Freemason will look further, for other and longer books; the uninterested will not, perhaps, read all of these! Had completeness been the aim, these little books might have become forbiddingly large.
No more has been attempted than to give some Masonic light on some of the history, jurisprudence, symbols, customs, and landmarks of the Order, by the rays of which any initiate may readily find his way down the path of Masonic learning which leads to the gate of truth.
These books are far more gateways than guides to the foreign country of Freemasonry. However elemental they may be to the Masonic student, if their very simplicity leads those Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts, and newly raised Master Masons for whom they were written to seek more Masonic light, their purpose will have been served and their preparation well worth the time and effort spent upon them.
Article by: Carl H. Claudy
Carl Harry Claudy (1879 – 1957) was an American author, magazine writer, and journalist for the New York Herald.
His association with Freemasonry began in 1908, when, at the age of 29, he was raised a master Mason in lodge Harmony No. 17 in Washington, DC. He served as its master in 1932 and eventually served as Grand Master of Masons in the District of Colombia in 1943.
His Masonic writing career began in earnest when he became associated with the Masonic service Association in 1923, serving as associate editor of its magazine, The master mason, until 1931.
Under his leadership the service Association was brought to a place of predominance through his authorship and distribution of the short talk bulletin which made his name familiar to virtually every lodge in the country.
Recent Articles: by Carl Claudy
 What is a point within a circle |
 To the initiate, the penalty in his obligation comes with a shock of surprise and sometimes consternation. |
 Entered Apprentice Lambskin Apron; More ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honourable than the Star and Garter … |
 Three Great Lights – the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses |
 In the true sense of the words Freemasonry is not a secret society but a society with secrets. |
 Like so much else in Freemasonry the Middle Chamber is wholly symbolic |
 What are the lesser lights and where are they placed on our Lodges |
 How to explain the principle tents of the craft to a newly made brother |
 How are the Fellowcraft’s five steps connected the five senses of human nature |
 The Hiramic Legend is the glory of Freemasonry; the search for that which was lost is the glory of life |
 This emblem contains more real food for thought than any other in the lecture of the Sublime Degree. |
 What are the Three Grand Pillars ?, wisdom, strength, and beauty – then later we hear of the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns |
 Three numbers, what are their masonic significance? Pythagoras has something to say about them |
 The mystery behind the two great pillars that stood at the porchway entrance of King Solomon Temple |
 Do you want to discover the originals of the five points of fellowship ? |
 Uncover the mystery behind one of the oldest and most widespread symbols denoting God. |
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