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| The Broken Column |
| The statue or artwork is symbolic of the lessons taught in the third degree of Freemasonry. As in all of our Degrees, lessons are taught by using symbolic references to the art of builders, here in this sculpture, the symbolic meaning is a reminder of those important lessons. It reminds us that in the Third Degree we are taught to always keep in due veneration those who have gone before us, called from labor, and have departed. It further teaches us to live virtuous and upright lives. |
| The Symbolic Meanings revealed. |
| The sculpture consists of a weeping virgin, holding in her right hand a sprig of acacia and in the left an urn. Before her is the broken column, on which rests a copy of the Sacred Law, while Time stands behind her, attempting to disentangle the ringlets of her hair. |
| The broken column represents the untimely death of so great a man as our Grand Master, Hiram Abif. It also reminds us that we too are mortal and that our bodies are frail and will someday crumble. |
| The weeping virgin is a symbol of the unfinished temple. The sprig of acacia in her right hand, the discovery of our Grand Master's body, and the Urn, that his remains were carefully attended to so that we may perpetuate the remembrance of such an important personage. |
| The open book, a copy of the Sacred Law indicates that our Grand Master's virtues are recorded in the book of life, where his virtues lie in perpetual veneration. |
| Time disentangling the ringlets of hair reminds us that we are traveling upon that level of time, and that patience and perseverance will accomplish all things. |
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Designed for |
Last modified:
March 20, 2011
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