In Part 1 of this presentation, the focus was on the theoretical basis and some background on the uses of columns and pillars was discussed from the symbolic, historical, mythological, and religious context. The focus In Part 2 will be on the practical applications and the conclusion of our research. For those not having read Part 1 we offer a very short overview for those few.
After the review of the Bicentennial presentation, items being depicted in the photographs, were reviewed, they not being referenced in our GLofMS book of law, Williams Digest of Law, or our adopted GLofMS ritual.
As already covered in Part 1, MLOR undertook a review of the historical minutes of the Lodge with primary purpose being to determine how many bylaw additions or updates had been adopted and were still in effect as the Lodge’s ten-year anniversary was approaching. The review revealed a certain bylaw change having been made, based on a presentation of Wardens Columns and the Lodge had adopted the use of Wardens Columns for use in all its assemblies.
“…that the Lodge adopt the use of the Warden’s Columns for use in its assemblies…”
The Mississippi Lodge of Research has attempted to recreate the research needed to continue this search for the genesis of using Wardens Columns in the MS Lodge of Research. The initial decision appears to have been predicated upon information referenced in a Masonic Service Association’s Short Talk Bulletins (STB), specifically, Short Talk Bulletin 8-73. “The Wardens’ Columns.”
MLOR began to gather information to do one of two things; 1) Support the Lodge’s initial decision to adopt and implement use of the Wardens Columns and, 2) Determine if the initial information used to justify the Lodge bylaw change, remained viable.
MLOR gathered as much information as was possible to discover the origins and prior uses of the Warden’s Columns from a theoretical perspective. As previously stated in Part 1, there is currently no adopted ritual or reference in the current laws of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi F.& A.M. for guidance.
We reviewed columns and pillars and other associated terms and uses for theoretical as well as practical functions from both an operative as well as speculative perspective. It was discovered that it isn’t always clearly identifiable in either the similarities or differences in both the Masonic and non-Masonic worlds. Nor are uses or principles the same in the fields of architecture, civil engineering, and building design and that most laypersons use them interchangeably, as we do also in Freemasonry.
We then turned our focus onto the more practical uses that may present themselves for our members consideration. *We will now change the presentation to share information not contained in Part 1.
We begin by referencing Bro. Mackey’s Encyclopedia, (28) in the next section following the earlier cited entry, we find, “Columns, The Wardens,” where he identifies both a symbolism and their respective purposes,
“In Freemasonry the Senior Warden’s Column represents the pillar Jachin while the Junior Warden’s Column represents the pillar Boaz. The Senior Warden’s Column is in an erect position and the Junior Warden’s placed horizontally during labor, these positions being reversed during refreshment.”
The above practice has been observed by the author in other American jurisdictions, however, during Brother Preston’s time as an English Freemason it was different as noted in his Illustrations, as it was the badge of the Deacons and not the Wardens as is the custom in American Freemasonry.
“Those columns, the badges of your office, I entrust to your care…” From the installation ceremony.
[Author’s note: There is another conversation that could be had about the last sentence of this reference, perhaps a future presentation by MLOR is in the works.]
In another Masonic use of a column, it is noted that Brother Mackey, offers yet another use and explanation of the column, in the section titled, “Junior Warden,” (30)
“…His seat is in the South, and he represents the Pillar of Beauty. He has placed before him, and carries in procession [emphasis added], a column, which is the representative of the left-hand pillar which stood at the porch of the Temple.”
[Author’s note: I have often wondered, having observed the representations of pillars or columns in many Masonic Lodges in Mississippi, just exactly how cumbersome it would be to attempt to carry one of the representatives we recognize and use as fixtures in our Lodges–particularly those we utilize during the Staircase lecture.]
The research reveals that in keeping with the history and practices of ancient craft Freemasonry in the United States, Brother Albert Mackey, in his Manual of the Lodge (1868) in two different sections, Section VI. “At Laying The Foundation Stones Of Public Structures” (31) (Public Structures) and Section VII, “Dedication of Freemason’s Halls” the following forms (Freemason’s Halls), are almost entirely identical passages: (32)
From the Public Structures section, “…following form of procession:”
“Junior Wardens of Lodges, with pillars, two and two;
Senior Wardens of Lodges, with pillars, two and two…”
And from following section, Freemason’s Halls, “…following form of procession:”
“Junior Wardens of Lodges, with pillars, two and two;
Senior Wardens of Lodges, with pillars, two and two;”
There are a few other minor deviations in the processionals, but only one that we will address for our especially quick-witted Brethren who may have a question as to how they carried those “pillars” and the other items needed for that dedication (corn, wine, and oil). Well, it appears the simple answer is by there being the addition of other members to the processional as noted below. (33)
“A Brother, carrying a gold pitcher, containing corn;
Two Brethren, with silver pitchers, containing oil and wine;”
In our review of Masonic processionals, it was observed that in at least one American Grand Lodge, the Wardens Columns are also used in the most solemn of occasions, a Masonic Funeral or Memorial service. From the Grand Lodge of Iowa A.F. & A.M., Handbook for Masonic Memorial Services, there we find instruction for the preparation of the service provided, as well as an illustration following, “The Holy Bible should be opened to Ecclesiastes 12: 1, with the Square and Compass displayed in the Third Degree mode. Columns, when used, are displayed with the Senior Warden column erect at the head of the casket. The Junior Warden column is retired (lying down) at the foot of the casket.” (34)
Most readers are familiar with the idiom, “A picture is worth a thousand words” and we want to attempt to display, in a somewhat artistic attempt, and combine it with a painting of a very famous brother Mason, George Washington. From the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, we present the following mural, painted by Allyn Cox (1896-1982). (35)
*Hat-tip to Br. Lane Dossett, PM of Mystic Tie #222 for his assistance in locating this most excellent depiction (and who may or may not have a pair of similar pillars or columns for his Lodge to display)
[Author’s Note: There is to be a re-dedication of the cornerstone and a celebration the Memorial’s next century of service on February 23, 2023. More information provided at their website.] (36)
In a very recent and more modern reference to the pillars, or columns, Cameron M. Bailey, PGM, Grand Lodge, F&AM of Washington has an interesting article available online, “Let’s Discuss the Pillars”. (37) https://emeth.substack.com/p/lets-discuss-the-pillars-109/comments?fbclid=IwAR1DUXb_POvRCiblZTHJr0ImwzFlvC4s098Z5pP4dVuoK4tODeWTS8vSEW0
One commenter, remarking on the article, caught my attention.
“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 [sic] more attuned to more subtle impressions might notice them. All the greatest secrets are hidden in plain sight…” {emphasis added}
Remember earlier we cited the adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” Well, it is hoped this phrase holds true as relates to a former use of the Warden’s Columns, in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi F.& A.M. It is being offered as evidence, based upon the pictures from the 1890s time-capsule, and as contained in the Bicentennial banquet presentation, we have had a former practice of displaying them, even if not actually using them in a ritualistic manner. (38)
Please take note of each of the highlighted sections in each photo as to what appears to be, “hidden in plain sight…”
In conclusion and based upon the research cited at the heart of this presentation, the Mississippi Lodge of Research and Education DCXL will have on display a set of Wardens Columns at the next Stated Communication. It is earnestly believed that in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi F. & A. M. the display of the Wardens Columns would not be a modern innovation, but a restoration of a former practice. In the oft-cited words of Brother Mackey,
“… In former times, when symbols and ceremonies were more respected than they are now; when collars were worn, and not ribbons in the button-hole; and when the standing column of the Senior Warden, and the recumbent one of the Junior during labor, to be reversed during refreshment, were deemed necessary for the complete furniture of the Lodge, … It were better if we could get back to the old customs.” [emphasis added] (39)
*A special thank-you to Brother Jerry Klein for assisting with the acquisition of these wonderful items
**References cited in the presentation(s) are available upon request to the Mississippi Lodge of Research and Education DCXL, Lodge Secretary. To some well-read Masonic researchers, it will be noticed that Thomas Smith Webb’s Freemasons Monitor, Or, Illustrations of Masonry: In Two Parts (1818) was not used in this presentation as most of the citations used from Preston’s Illustrations are very similar, if not exact. Brother Webb in the Preface of his Monitor stated such, “The observations upon the first three degrees are many of them taken from Preston’s ‘Illustrations of Masonry,’ with some necessary alterations.” (41)
