The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 5 - Technical Terminology 313
Ziegeldecker)
36 Widow Freemasonry
37 Widow's Son Freemason
1. Antients vs. Moderns
An early schism separated the English Masons into these two groups or
Grand Lodges, who re-united in 1813. A French Masonic dictionary warns
against confusing the chronology of the Moderns and the Antients, because the
Moderns come first. It thus defines the Antients: "Nom donné dans un sens
péjoratif à la Grande Loge fondée à Londres en 1717 par la Grande Loge rivale
constituée en 1751 sous le vocable d'Antients (Ancients). Cette interversion ne
doit pas tromper. C'est la Grande Loge la plus ancienne en date à laquelle
s'applique le terme de 'Modern.' " 948 The technical term, "Ancient Craft
Masonry," is given to the three symbolic degrees, Entered Apprentice, Fellow
Craft, and Master Mason. As stated in Masonry Defined, the degree of Royal
Arch is not generally included under this appellation, although, if considered a
complement of the Third Degree, it must constitute a part of it. Thus, the articles
of union between the two Grand Lodges of England, adopted in 1813, declare:
"pure Ancient Masonry consists of three degrees and no more; viz.: those of the
Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason, including the
Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch." 949
2. Cowan
Q: Brother Tyler, your place in the Lodge?
A: Without the inner door.
Q: Your duty there?
A: To keep off all cowans and eavesdroppers, and not to pass or
repass any but such as are duly qualified and have the
Worshipful Master's permission. 950
The "first and constant care of Masons when convened" is to see that the
lodge is "duly tyled." 951 That means that the Masons are among themselves, that
they have the required degree, and that all outsiders and spies, as well as all
Masons of a lower degree, are excluded. This is guaranteed by the Tyler, the
watchman with the drawn sword in his hand who guards the door of the lodge in
order to keep off all "cowans and eavesdroppers." The quotation above shows
948 Cf. DFM, p. 170.
949 MD, p. 102.
950 Duncan, p. 12.
951 Cf. ibid, p. 12/13.