From the Worshipful Master

Symbols of the Craft / Position:

Brothers:

First off, I would like to thank everyone for the trust they have given me in electing me as Worshipful Master for a second year. It is truly an honor, and I am confident that Wayfarers will continue moving in a positive direction.

The emblems of the three pedestal officers are the Square, Level, and the Plumb.

Today, we look into what these emblems mean to us.

As Worshipful Master, the emblem of my office is the Square. We are taught that operative masons use the square to square their work. As speculative masons, we use it to remind us to square our actions.

When people are square dealing, they are being fair. As Masons, we are taught that this is the only way to deal. The square also reminds to be truthful and straight in all of our actions.

As the square is an angle of 90 degrees, and is equilateral, I see this and am reminded that we should treat all people equally, for masons do not discriminate in race or creed.

Fraternally,
Stephen A. Liguori, PM
Worshipful Master

From the Senior Warden

Symbols of the Craft / Position

Brethren:

The Level

The Level symbolizes equality and balance. The reality is that we’re all fellow humans, put on this earth by our great Creator. Regardless of wealth, skin color, religion (or lack thereof), age, gender, and so forth, by the level we are taught to regard all people as equal, deserving of respect and fair treatment.

No man or woman is ‘better’ than another, as a core concept. We may make more money than someone else, have better grades, accomplished and recognized for more, but in the end, we’re all human. This is not to say that we should not support and exalt the achievements of our fellows; on the contrary, the respect paid to good works and higher deeds is not harmful and can serve to inspire others to the same.

The lesson of the level, that of equality, should simply caution humility to the achiever. Similarly, it should caution us to not elevate others beyond due station or allow themselves to do the same; stripped bare, kings and paupers both are equal on the level.

Regarding Justice, similarly this is not to be taken that less honorable or even criminal actions should be ignored, but when one of our brothers or sisters err, the level should remind us to treat the offender with due restraint and fair justice, appropriate to the transgression.

In operative masonry and general construction, a level is used to ensure the materials of a building are set on same plane. Without, pieces of the structure may be laid out of alignment with ones that came before; as construction ensues, these variations will be amplified across the building the longer it continues, and result in a jumbled appearance at best, and base instability at worst. To the speculative, this should teach us that balance in our various projects and exploits is important, to give all our worthwhile endeavors due attention and not let one or more suffer because there were too many on the plate.

We should seek for balance between all the various activities and commitments in our lives, and be willing to metaphorically build a smaller structure if balance demands it, rather than attempt a large one which will suffer.

As the symbol of the Senior Warden, I feel the West is charged with promoting that balance among the brothers, ensuring that all are treated on the level in and out of the lodge, and to assist as able as we try to maintain it in our lives.

Fraternally,
Cameron Smith
Senior Warden

From the Junior Warden

Symbols of the Craft / Position

Brethren:

First and foremost, I am honored to be elected has Junior Warden of Wayfarer’s #50. I will do my best to fulfill the duties that I have been entrusted with.

What do the symbols of our office mean to us? Freemasonry is a system of morality illustrated by symbols from the building trade (Such as the plumb line, the level, and the square).

The Plumb (act with integrity)

In operative masonry, the plumb was used to raise perpendiculars. To ensure that there is no leaning to either side. In speculative masonry, it is a testament to our character. To stand upright and at all times, to act with integrity, honesty, and justice, even when no one is looking.

The Level (meet on equal terms)

In operative masonry, it was used to even the ends of a horizontal placement. In speculative masonry, “We meet upon the level” means that we approach our interactions with honesty, and transparency. We give others due courtesy, and without prejudice. Masons meet as equals, regardless of station in life. That is meeting on the level.

The Square (part fairly)

In operative masonry, the square is used to ensure 90 degree angles of a building block. To better erect the structure with a purposeful and aesthetic meaning. In speculative masonry, “We part upon the square”, which means that that we have treated each other with respect, and satisfied each other’s needs in the interaction. When we depart the discussions, we can say “Are we square?”

Thus, how do we act? “By the plumb.”

How do we meet? “On the level.”

And how do we part? “By the square”

Fraternally,
Christopher Britt
Junior Warden