MASONIC EDUCATION

Meanings of Masonic Symbols

THE ALL-SEEING EYE, GEORGE WASHINGTON AND LODGE OFFICERS

There are several well-known symbols associated with Freemasonry. The Square and Compasses, The Letter “G”, and the Trowel are three examples. In this post, we’ll explore three additional symbols and their meaning to Freemasons.

Bro. Michael Arce, Senior Warden (2021-2022), Mount Vernon Lodge #3

Lodge Officers

In our ritual, the three pillar officers of a Masonic Lodge roles are explained. In our public installation ceremony, the full officer line is installed and their responsibilities are affirmed. In a Masonic Lodge, the Worshipful Master is the presiding officer, similar to the president of an organization. The Senior Warden serves as the Vice President and the Junior Warden is like a 2nd Vice President. There are also appointed officers who serve at the will and pleasure of the Worshipful Master.

Freemasons who are looking for deeper meaning of the Lodge officer meanings could also make the following esoteric connections.

Worshipful Master — The Spirit
Senior Warden — The Soul
Junior Warden — The Intellect
Senior Deacon — link between the Spirit and the Soul
Junior Deacon — link between the Soul and the Mind

George Washington

George Washington is America’s Most Famous Freemason. Bro. Washington has a long string of “firsts” in American History: first commander in chief (Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War), first American “war hero” and first U.S. president (1789 to 1797). However, Bro. Washington shares the distinction of being one of the prominent Freemasons during the revolutionary era, which included Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Paul Revere.

Bro. Washington’s Masonic history began on November 4, 1752 when was obligated as Entered Apprentice at Fredericksburg Lodge, later renamed and numbered as Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 after the creation of the Grand Lodge of Virginia in 1778. As president, Washington exchanged letters with many Masonic local and state grand lodges, along with meeting with Masonic delegations during his travels. His most significant Masonic activity, however, occurred on September 18, 1793. Acting as grand master pro tem, he presided at the Masonic ceremonial laying of the United States Capitol cornerstone.

Bust of George Washington
George Washington University, Washington, DC

After laying down his Working Tools 1799, Bro. Washington’s legacy gained popularity over the years, as the nation’s grieved and memorialized the loss of our “Founding Fathers.” One image that catches the eye of visitors to Masonic Lodges is often the 1860 portrait of Washington entitled Washington as a Mason. This image, captures the spirit of American Freemasonry while also showcasing the symbolism that encourages all good men to seek the principles of Freemasonry that lead a righteous life.

“When one lives in integrity of the heart, one lives all the precepts, all the commandments without even knowing them.” — Bro. George Washington

The All-Seeing Eye

The All Seeing Eye, also known as the Masonic Eye or Eye of Providence, is an internationally recognized Masonic symbol. It dates back to 1797 when it was introduced in a publication of the Freemasons Monitor and has been associated with Freemasonry in America when another U.S. president who was also a Freemason, Bro. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, added the All-Seeing Eye as part of the great seal displayed on the back of the one dollar bill in 1935.

Although our thoughts, words and actions may be hidden from the eyes of man, that All-Seeing Eye, whom the Sun, Moon and Stars obey, and under whose watchful care even comets perform their stupendous revolutions, pervades the inmost recesses of the human heart, will reward us according to our merits.

Bro. Jim Simpson, Schenectady Lodge #1174, Schenectady, New York
Sigman Bodies Ancient Accept Scottish Rite, Scotia, New York
St. George’s Chapter #157, Schenectady, New York
St. George’s Council #74, Schenectady, New York
St. George’s Commandry #37, Schenectady, New York
Charles H. Copestake #69 AMD, Schenectady, New York