THE BUILDER AUGUST 1925

A Spanish American Masonic Lecture

Translated by BRO. J.W. CHAPMAN, New Mexico

THIS lecture was given in "The Worshipful Lodge, Condor No. 9," and
published in The Rivista Masonica of Chile. It is interesting from
at least two points of view. It indicates a number of evident
ritual variations, and it also sets out quite clearly the ideals
and aspirations of Masonry in that part at least of Spanish
America.

As it is known, the Masonic practice is to teach by making use of
symbols, which have been preserved and transmitted from remote
times. Thus, when we reach the doors of the temple, we see objects
which represent principles and ideas which are impressed on our
minds.

The lodge meets in places called "temples," which are of
rectangular form and extend from East to West. When we enter, our
attention is called to two great columns, generally of bronze,
whose chapiters, of Corinthian order, are decorated with
pomegranates and lilies. These pomegranates signify to us that we
must preserve a close and cordial union rather than isolation, and
that the nucleus of ideas and doctrines have their beginning in
these places, which we must shuck out from all parts, acquiring
Knowledge and Virtue. These columns have the letter B on the
left-hand one and J on the other, which we recognize is somewhat
distinctive of the two first degrees.

Beyond in front of the entrance and in the East, is an elevated
dais where sits the Worshipful Master, who presides and directs our
steps. In the west is another dais, a little smaller than the
first, where sits the Senior Warden, who pays our wage and
preserves harmony among the workmen. In the south is installed the
Junior Warden, in a seat similar to the other, who observes that
labor is performed properly and profitably.

There are three columns which form the supports of the lodge, or,
the three principal Lights which illuminate it, and represent
Wisdom, Strength and Beauty; the first to conceive and direct; the
second to realize; and the third to beautify and adorn the work.

THE BIBLE IS NECESSARY

In the center of the lodge is a small altar, triangular in form,
with three lights, and on which rests the Bible, the symbol of that
enlightenment which it gives to our minds, and the square and
compasses; that one (the square) signifies that we must always
think and act with rectitude, and this one (the compasses) that we
must proceed with regularity in all our endeavors. So likewise here
is encountered the Constitution, the fundamental law of
organization and procedure of Symbolical Masonry.

At the left of the Worshipful Master and next to him is the Orator,
the Counsel of the Lodge, who gives attention to the respectful and
faithful application of the Constitution and regulations. At the
right is the Secretary. A little below and on the left and right,
are the Treasurer and the Dispenser of Alms, the latter being
charged to heed and care for those who need the assistance of the
lodge. In the middle of the temple in front of the Junior Warden,
is the Master of Ceremonies, and opposite him is the Expert, who is
learned in the ritual and in the requirements of Masonry. Finally,
the entrance is guarded by the Temple Guard. Around the foot of the
station of the Worshipful Master are the members of the lodge, who
form the legal institution and permit it to function regularly.

THE CHAIN REPLACES THE CABLETOW

Decorating and encompassing the ceiling is a chain, emblematic of
the intimate and fraternal union which reigns among Masons, in
which everyone is a strong link attached to the other; a chain
comprised of Masons of the world, one and all. At the west of the
ceiling are a multitude of stars, which, as the East is approached,
diminish in number and increase in size, so we are taught to enjoy
the light of Truth and Wisdom.

The floor is laid out with black and white squares, and this
represents the toleration which reigns among us concerning all
opinions and creeds, notwithstanding there may be differences of
opinion; and also, to remind us that all the actions of life have
a diversity of appearance which we must interpret with reason
before forming judgment.

In the East, at the foot of the station of the Worshipful Master,
are two stones: the one on the left is unpolished, its sides are
uneven, and is wholly unfitted for use in building. On the other
side is the true edged stone, with its smooth surfaces, already
prepared for the builders' use. The one is the symbol of our
natural personality, filled from the beginning with imperfections
and impurities, and which may be purified by the love of study and
work, and by the constant practice of virtuous deeds, to which we
are induced and bound by the Masonic obligations.

ALLEGORICAL PICTURES USED TO DECORATE THE LODGE

Some pictures decorate the walls of the place: in the East, at the
right, is Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom; at the left is Hercules,
emblem of Strength; and east of that one is Venus, symbol of
Beauty: three conditions necessary for individual and collective
progress.

Another mural picture represents a very fine sieve, which
represents Masonry boldly selecting from the materials introduced,
and from which are obtained those to be promoted to higher dignity.
And another represents a magnificent uncompleted edifice. This is
the palace of Knowledge and of Civilization, which Humanity is
perpetually constructing but never completing.

One of the virtues which recommends itself to us most zealously is
Work, and so it is said that Masons work tranquilly devoting
ourselves to preparing sepulchres for vice, and to raising up
temples to Virtue.

In return, according to our efforts, we receive our wage; and
likewise, speaking symbolically, as we are employed with rough
materials, we must use an apron, of white skin with a flap raised
for better covering.

THE ENGLISH WORKING TOOLS ARE EMPLOYED

Also, it is said that we work in our degrees with chisel and
hammer; and again, that we do not write except to trace out plans
with marker or pencil. So it is necessary that we have a Master to
teach us to use the implements and to oversee the work; and as he
is a just and kind director, he wins our respect and appreciation,
and on account of this we call him "Worshipful."

The Wardens aid the Master in inspecting our work, paying the
wages, and encouraging us to perfect our rudimentary knowledge.

For this reason the apprentices, whom we arrange on the left of the
lodge, are said to be in darkness and are not permitted to kindle
a light from our side.

Masonic lodges are workshops where the laborers work freely and
conscientiously, and who are divided into three classes or basic
degrees: Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master.

THE DEGREES SIGNIFY THE THREE AGES OF MAN

These degrees have also other significances: they represent the
three principal periods of the life of man. 

That of Apprentice is equivalent to Childhood, that age in which
all is seen and observed, and in which knowledge and experience is
constantly acquired. Forsake the darkness for the light.

The second degree, or Fellowcraft, represents Manhood, that period
in the life of a man which is complete without the impetuosity of
youth and childhood, in which he begins to acquire practice in the
use of his faculties and in the employment of the implements of his
work, and finally reaches the way which he pursues to the end of
life.

And the third degree, or Master, represents Maturity, and the full
knowledge of skill to which it is dedicated, of the use of the
working tools, and of the theories by which the laborer is
instructed. It is knowledge of life, and of the pleasure, happiness
and triumphs which it offers to us.

THE NUMBER THREE IS STRESSED

Already we will have perceived that all these symbols and
instructions have three points of support or aspects. In addition,
the triangle is the figure most used and respected in the Order.

It is said that this is the proper emblem of a complete
philosophical system, especially of Freemasonry.

The triangle reminds us that we must unfold our personalities,
parallel and harmoniously, according to natural philosophy,
intellectually and morally, then we will approach an indestructible
whole.

And this triple instruction repeats itself in the call for entrance
into the lodge, in the steps which we must take, in the three great
lights which illuminate, etc., etc.

It is curious to note the importance of trinity with us, Wisdom,
Strength and Beauty have a certain equivalence with the Holy
Trinity of the Catholics, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

THE PURPOSE OF MASONRY STATED

Finally, it is permitted to express the conception, which, through
the medium of lectures and addresses by well-informed brethren, is
and has been formed of Symbolic Masonry, and it is that which we
pursue. 

Masonry is an institution which has existed from remote times and
in distant countries, and which has been formed of men eagerly
desirous of Wisdom and Purification. Always it has held one
essential basis, philosophy and progress. It searches for the truth
with solicitude, and is tolerant of all opinions and doctrines, it
conducts itself with circumspection, is submissive to harsh and
rigorous analysis.

It has never been a religion, but has always pursued knowledge with
a zeal almost religious; and the methods of instruction, in which
the symbol is foremost, has a resemblance to many of the religions
of the East and West.

Its purpose has ever been for mutual profit, and not, as some
believe, to fight forcibly against the clergy.

Being an institution, essentially philosophical and reasonable, it
has as its foundation liberty of conscience and freedom of inquiry.
From these proceed, as result, its permanent and fundamental
disputes with all religions and sects which attempt to muzzle human
thought.

So has been preserved, across the centuries, the symbol of the
Grand Architect of the Universe, to whom we render tribute of
studying and of inquiring into the Supreme Law, the Power or the
Great Principle, however we may desire to invoke Him, who directs
and co-ordinates this vast and unceasing movement of matter in all
of its infinite manifestations.

Prejudices limit freedom of inquiry; and these are essentially
un-Masonic.

For the attainment of morality and intellectuality among our
adepts, it has been, and is, one of the first principles of our
Order to require physical perfection.

Anciently, candidates had to submit themselves to rigorous and very
long tests, which sometimes continued for years, before they might
be introduced into the Temple for initiation.

Now, we observe the life of the aspirant, and demand information
more less strictly.

But we must call to mind and hold, dismissing all prejudices to the
contrary, that the complete purification of the individual is a
Masonic obligation, and an essential duty of a good Mason.

