Hiram’s Designs – Ideals and Virtues

Hiram’s Designs – Ideals and Virtues

MASONIC EDUCATION

Ideals and Virtues

SYMBOLISM IN MASONIC LODGES

Whenever he is in a Lodge, a Freemason of any standing cannot help but be conscious of the symbolism that is part and parcel of its fabric and furnishings. The Lodge is symbolic of the universe, with the sun blazing its importance for all to gaze and wonder at.

The decoration in the Tracing Boards for each degree and the symbolic meaning of each of the tools serve to remind the Mason of the purpose of the Craft ad the principles by which all Lodge members are exhorted to live.

The most arresting of these symbols, the ones that no one can fail to notice when entering a a Lodge, are the Three Pillars of Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. They serve to represent the omniscience and omnipotence of the Supreme Being and the perfect symmetry of His creating. Metaphorically, the represent the pillar officers of the Lodge — the Master, the Senior and Junior Warden. No Lodge can be opened without their presence.

It is open to all Masonic to strive to find the wisdom to see life simply and clearly, which is one of the most important gifts that the Craft can bestow on its members.

The symbols found throughout our Lodges in in our ritual reaffirm an important lesson in Freemasonry: we all make mistakes. The meaning in these objects reinforce Masonic wisdom which encourages us not to just learn from errors, but to judge our performance in every aspect of our lives against certain standards —adjust and move forward— having learned to compare our performance and our actions against a higher standards.

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