Is Operative Freemasonry compatible with Speculative Freemasonry?

[pointwithinacircle2]

With the current spate of "Compatibility" threads that are occurring on this forum, thought that perhaps this was a topic worth discussing. I have noticed that many of the posters only discuss Masonry as it was practiced after 1717. Do you think that Operative Freemasonry is/was compatible with what we practice today? Are their still lessons that we can learn from the study of Operative Freemasonry? Do you think that contemplation of Operative Freemasonry has a place in our UGLE world?

 

[Rick Carver]

I do not see any major conflicts. I have discovered a few misinterpretations and have lead to erroneous thinking, but it is usually something very minor. The example that comes to mind is the definition of the word "cowan" and the way we use it in ritual.

 

[pointwithinacircle2]

I see Operative Freemasonry as a science. It studies Chemistry (Alchemy) for the making of cement. Physics is necessary for the study of mass, density, and force necessary for the construction of stone buildings. Psychology is necessary for the arrangement of thousand of workers such that none complain. Geometry is necessary for design that has both strength and beauty. Once these sciences were discovered it became apparent that Chemistry could produce much more than cement, Geometry much more than a square corner. Indeed the same principles of geometry discovered by Thales 2500 years ago http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thales are still used today to calculate the distances to the stars.

Speculative Freemasonry is much harder to define. It has at different times been defined as a system of Knowledge, Morality, Tradition, or Symbolism. Perhaps that is why we find it so hard to answer questions about Masonry and Religion

 

[coachn]

Great Topic and Questions!

Here's an article that I wrote on the subject many months ago that might provide some provoked thoughts and possibly some fun discourse.

http://buildinghiram.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-coaches-coach-drawing-distinctions.html
(Operative and Speculative)

Enjoy!

Coach Nagy

 

[BryanMaloney]

The UK actually has a society/association of Freemasons who are also operative masons.

 

[Mike Martin]

Bryan is referring to "The Operatives", aka The Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters, Paviors, Plaisterers and Bricklayers.

http://www.operatives.org.uk/

 

[BryanMaloney]

That's amusing, the Operatives openly admits cowans--of course, only those cowans who are Freemasons, and certainly not Cowans.

No, I am not accusing them of doing anything improper. Their list of professions includes the cowan (Scottish word for rough mason).

 

[coachn]

Amusing and yet saddening too. Modern Freemasonic definitions don't do justice to historical fact, not even in a symbolic form.

 

[BryanMaloney]

I have noted in my research that cowans were admitted to some Operative Masonic lodges in Scotland at around the time of the foundation of Speculative Masonry. The prohibition seems to have been uneven, possibly driven by local economic conditions. However, from what I've read, early Masonic documents did separate between "cowans" and "eavesdroppers". The first were privy to outer knowledge and thus could at least be considered somewhat along the way, while eavesdroppers were entirely outsiders.

 

[Morris]

I've never really understood the term. Thanks for the insights.


Jeff

 

[coachn]

I have noted in my research that cowans were admitted to some Operative Masonic lodges in Scotland at around the time of the foundation of Speculative Masonry. The prohibition seems to have been uneven, possibly driven by local economic conditions. However, from what I've read, early Masonic documents did separate between "cowans" and "eavesdroppers". The first were privy to outer knowledge and thus could at least be considered somewhat along the way, while eavesdroppers were entirely outsiders.

The word "Cowan" (just as with the word "Ruffian") is not universally used within modern era Freemasonic Organizations. There are jurisdictions that use the word "intruder" instead (and some use the word "assassin" instead of "ruffian").

 

[Rick Carver]

To get back to the original question of compatibility: A few years ago I was in DC for Masonic Week. Weather permitting, I always explore around the various landmarks. When I visited the Washington National Cathedral there was some minor construction work going on and the 3 main stonemasons were Italians. They spoke understandable English and we struck up a conversation while they waited for the delivery of some sort of materials they needed to continue work. We ended up talking for several hours and they were extremely interested once they learned I was a Speculative Freemason. They were somewhat and understandably hesitant to open up to a stranger, but through the conversation I learned they had served a traditional apprenticeship, they had been given a set of grips (although different) and passwords (which they would not exchange) and were familiar with the story of Hiram Abiff using another name. It would appear that in some of the European Guilds, Operative and Speculative Masonry is quite compatible.

 

[Warrior1256]

I've never really understood the term. Thanks for the insights.


Jeff

Same here, thanks. I thought cowans were simply imposters trying to gain admission to the lodge.

 

[coachn]

Same here, thanks. I thought cowans were simply imposters trying to gain admission to the lodge.

If you want to read more about Cowans, here's a chapter out of a book I wrote but it's in article form. Enjoy!
http://buildinghiram.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-hole-story.html

 

[ARizo1011]

I see Operative Freemasonry as a science. It studies Chemistry (Alchemy) for the making of cement. Physics is necessary for the study of mass, density, and force necessary for the construction of stone buildings. Psychology is necessary for the arrangement of thousand of workers such that none complain. Geometry is necessary for design that has both strength and beauty. Once these sciences were discovered it became apparent that Chemistry could produce much more than cement, Geometry much more than a square corner. Indeed the same principles of geometry discovered by Thales 2500 years ago http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thales are still used today to calculate the distances to the stars.

Speculative Freemasonry is much harder to define. It has at different times been defined as a system of Knowledge, Morality, Tradition, or Symbolism. Perhaps that is why we find it so hard to answer questions about Masonry and Religion

Couldn't have said it any better