From the East – October 2021

Greetings Brethren,

As we have the pleasure of a Fellow Craft degree this month, I thought some light coming from that degree would be appropriate. It often seems to me that the largest Masonic symbols are often the most overlooked. I think this is especially true of the pillars. Always there, little attention is ever drawn to them, save the Middle Chamber lecture. Yet their message and presence is crucial to all the degrees.

First it should be noted they are not a Masonic invention, but are historical facts. Not only are they well documented in two books of the Bible, 1st Kings and 2nd Chronicles, they were also documented in detail by the ancient historian Josephus. They were really 18 cubits high and adorned as we were told right down to the pomegranates! But what is more important is what they symbolize. Like many symbols in our Lodge they offer us more
than one meaning.

While there are many possibilities for their symbolism, they are well known to relate to at least two things. First, the pillar of fire and the pillar of cloud that lead the Jews to freedom in Exodus. The other concept that they definitely allude to comes from their names, Jachin and Boaz. Jachin historically was suggestive of the concept of establishment, while Boaz suggested strength. “In strength shall this mine house be established.”

I believe there is the key to their importance in the Lodge! As Carl Claugy has written, “…power without control is useless, and control without power, futile.” How often is this forgotten? Most importantly, note how the Candidates are led equally through the two Pillars, never favoring one over the other. “Thus may we every meet, act and part.”

Fraternally,
F.L. Vernamonti, WM