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Explanation of Masonic Tools
intellectually, and spiritually, Masonic tools play a prominent role in this instruction, but not all masonic tools are included in the explanations, some require further study by the Brother.
Each of the Degrees impart new lessons and instruction, all are linked to social virtues, Faith, Hope, and Charity, The principles of Brotherly love, relief, and Truth and the Cardinal virtues of Temperance,
Prudence, and Justice, all can be found in some measure throughout Masonic Ritual, Brethren who take the time, not just to listen, but to learn, will have a deeper understanding of what Freemasonry can
offer them.
Below is the Tools used in each of the Three Craft Degree's with an explanation of their meanings.
You will observe the conduct and moral rectitude expected of a initiate, with the religious instruction left to the candidates choice of faith, we do not offer sacrements,we do have an open book of the King James bible, we do expect our Members to have a faith in God and to attend their own church/chapel, etc, Freemasonry is a journey of self improvement, both through our Degrees, and using what you have learned to make a good man better, no more, and certainly no less, have a read through the explanation, and see what i mean, you may find that Freemasonry may be more interesting than you thought.
The Working Tools of an Entered Apprentice Mason are the 24" Gauge and the Common Gavel.
The Twenty-Four-Inch Gauge is an instrument used
by Operative Masons to measure and lay out their work; but we, as
Entered Apprentice Masons, are taught to use it for the purpose of dividing our
time. It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, some in our usual
vocation some in rest, and some in recreation. In the symbolic language of
freemasonry, the 24" gauge becomes the symbol of "Time well
spent".
The Common Gavel is used by the Speculative
Mason as a symbol to admonish us of the duty of divesting our minds and
consciences of all vices and Impurities of life, therby fitting ourselves as
living stones for that spiritual building not made with hands, eternal in the
Heavens.
The working tools of a Fellow craft are the
Square, Level and Plumb-rule.
The Square is an implement made to an angle of
ninety degrees, or the fourth part of a circle. To the Speculative Mason it is
an emblem of morality.
The Level is an implement used for testing
horizontals and to the Speculative Mason a sign of Fraternal equality which should
always be found in a Masonic Lodge.
The Plumb-rule is an instrument made use by
Operative Masons to test Perpendiculars; and to the speculative Mason an
emblem of rectitude of conduct. As an Insecure building must eventually
fall, so he whose life is not supported by an upright course of conduct can no
longer sustain a worthy
reputation and must soon sink beneath the
estimation of every good and virtous man.
The working tools of Master Mason are, the Pencil,
Skirrit and Compasses.
The Pencil reminds us that every word and action
have been observed and recorded by the Almighty Architect to whom, at
some time, he must give an account of his actions and conduct through his
mortal life.
The Skirrit is an implement that acts as a
centre pin from which a line is unwound. The line is chalked and struck to the
ground to mark out the plans for an intended building,. So the Skirrit
reminds us of the straight and undeviating line of conduct marked out for
us.
The Compasses is an implement consisting of two
movable legs, hinged together at one end, used for describing
circles, and by the Architect for measuring figures in preparing his plans,
enabling him to give his designs the just proportions, which will ensure beauty
as well as stability to his
work, So in Speculative Masonry, this implement
is Symbolic of Virtue.
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