I’m curious because my Lodge has very beautiful pillars, and we gave them a place of prominence in the Lodge Room this past weekend, just prior to giving approximately 300 people a tour. Over the course of those two days, I was asked about seemingly every facet of the Lodge room, even the crown moulding. But no one asked about the pillars. I found that to be strange.
As I think that sometimes we can find wisdom when we contemplate strange occurrences, I thought that maybe we should discuss the pillars here. What do you think about them?
I suppose I'm mildly surprised that nobody asked about the pillars. I guess I would ask, was there any discussion of the Lodge Room representing King Solomons Temple? If there had been, and still no questions were asked, I'd be even more surprised.
We've had several discussions in our Lodge about the pillars, particularly during or practicing for Fellowcraft degrees. Enough so, that I even did a short talk about them during my year in the East.
At that time, our questions were around why B&J were placed on the Left and Right based on conventional thought and which spherical orb should adorn which pillar. But I can certainly think of a dozen other things that could be discussed to provide for hours of excellent discussion.
Circling back to your question and observation, I guess I would say, I think they are part of the wonderful tapestry of Masonic symbols. As to why nobody questioned their presence and placement, I can only speculate that not all are seeking knowledge, or they just figured they were part of the décor without realizing that there is meaning in almost everything that is in the Lodge Room.
I have noticed that when people see the symbols in our Lodges, the symbols they choose to comment on are diagnostic of where they are intellectually and spiritually. Pillars are so common in architecture that i think they are invisible to the average person. someone attuned to more subtle impressions, might notice them. All the greatest secrets are hidden in plain sight, only the initiate can see them....
I never really thought about the pillars outside of their lessons. I do think, upon reflection, that the pillars themselves in our lodges - for the most part - look like cheap stage props not to be examined too closely. I’ve also found it odd that they are topped by two globes, which essentially renders them useless as pillars and reinforces the idea of a prop, not to be taken seriously. They are usually poorly painted and don’t look very nice.
You would think that as important as the two pillars on the porch of king solomon’s temple would be they would look regal and impressive, not garish and not useful as something to hold up a roof over a porch.
I suppose I'm mildly surprised that nobody asked about the pillars. I guess I would ask, was there any discussion of the Lodge Room representing King Solomons Temple? If there had been, and still no questions were asked, I'd be even more surprised.
We've had several discussions in our Lodge about the pillars, particularly during or practicing for Fellowcraft degrees. Enough so, that I even did a short talk about them during my year in the East.
At that time, our questions were around why B&J were placed on the Left and Right based on conventional thought and which spherical orb should adorn which pillar. But I can certainly think of a dozen other things that could be discussed to provide for hours of excellent discussion.
Circling back to your question and observation, I guess I would say, I think they are part of the wonderful tapestry of Masonic symbols. As to why nobody questioned their presence and placement, I can only speculate that not all are seeking knowledge, or they just figured they were part of the décor without realizing that there is meaning in almost everything that is in the Lodge Room.
I have noticed that when people see the symbols in our Lodges, the symbols they choose to comment on are diagnostic of where they are intellectually and spiritually. Pillars are so common in architecture that i think they are invisible to the average person. someone attuned to more subtle impressions, might notice them. All the greatest secrets are hidden in plain sight, only the initiate can see them....
I never really thought about the pillars outside of their lessons. I do think, upon reflection, that the pillars themselves in our lodges - for the most part - look like cheap stage props not to be examined too closely. I’ve also found it odd that they are topped by two globes, which essentially renders them useless as pillars and reinforces the idea of a prop, not to be taken seriously. They are usually poorly painted and don’t look very nice.
You would think that as important as the two pillars on the porch of king solomon’s temple would be they would look regal and impressive, not garish and not useful as something to hold up a roof over a porch.
Besides the FC degree I always give a tour to our Seekers and point out features including the pillars. I generically share what they “denote” not
the particulars.