AN OPERATIVE BRICKLAYER BUILDS A SPECULATIVE WALL
THE BRICKLAYER LECTURE
by W. Brother Cameron Mackay
1 Introduction
This is not a Masonic Research paper. The ideas and
interpretations of Masonic symbolism contained herein are not based on
authorities ---- they are simply the personal reflections of bricklayer who
became a Freemason.
Today, I propose to illustrate the connection between the
practices of a bricklayer or stonemason with the symbolism of the Craft. Today,
I hope to dispel the idea that Freemasonry is an idealistic set of principles
which require modification to be applied in the outside world. Conversely, I
hope to instill the thought that the symbolism, principles, and practices of
Freemasonry are derived from human experience and human activity and are not
solely derived from abstraction and academia.
Tomorrow, I hope you will reflect upon the connection between
the Royal Art and your own particular avocation --- be it -- Accounting,
Banking, Business, civil servant or teacher. Tomorrow, upon due reflection, I
hope you will see Freemasonry as a practical set of principles and values; the
distilled wisdom of the ages; and the repository of critically and
intellectually analyzed beliefs adopted from untold number of philosophical
schools. Through that reflection, I respectfully suggest you will see the Craft
as a vibrant force to effect good in Society and not simply a ritualistic
celebration of virtue. If you draw that conclusion, you will see the wisdom of
that simple phrase, coined by our Grand Master, "Lets do it."
2 The Point of Commencement
From the outset it is evident that the bricklayer's task in
constructing a building is not a random or fleeting activity performed in
isolation with no consequences to the outside world. He must ensure his building
is in harmony with the surrounding buildings -- that it is constructed within
the property lines -- that it complies with the municipal set back regulations.
Every building then, irrespective of size or shape commences from the
determination of finite point on the face of the planet.
Now in Freemasonry we are taught that "The 24 I.G. Is the
first implement put into the hands of the workman, to enable him to ascertain
the EXTENT of the work he is about to engage And on the construction site the
first tool employed by the bricklayer is in fact the 24 I.G. As he needs to
determine the point of commencement. To choose this finite point the bricklayer
must first determine the property boundaries -- which are determined from the
survey post -- which are determined from the longitudes and latitudes which in
turn are determined by measuring the position of the stars in the heavens. From
the outset his very initial task links him to the whole cosmos. Now to determine
this point of commencement, the bricklayer simply measures the appropriate set
back from the north boundary and draws a parallel line. He then measures the
appropriate set back from the East boundary -- and this is the point of
commencement.
It can be seen then that like the Speculative Mason, the
bricklayer is confronted with the Ancient Landmarks from the very outset. It is
simple to understand the "Ancient Landmarks" as physical survey posts which
delineate the outer boundaries of the property. The intriguing question is :
"What are the Ancient Landmarks in a speculative sense? Time does not permit a
full discussion of that topic in this paper. For those who are interested in the
topic, there is an interesting and informative paper called "landmarks,
landmarks!, landmarks? By R.W. Bro. Gibbs which can be found in the volumes of
Vox Lucis published by Fiat Lux Lodge of Research 1980. However, let me give you
one thought to ponder: To a speculative Mason the Ancient Landmarks represent
the outside perimeters of Masonic thought -- beyond that boundary it is no
longer Masonic thought. Using that definition one can compile a list which may
include the following:
2.1 A belief that I exist as a separate entity and so do
other people;
2.2 A belief that there is a material world which is
perceptible and operates on some set of rules; {i.e., objects fall down ...
they do not fall up)
2.3 A belief that there is a Supreme Being instrumental in
the creation and governing of our Universe;
2.4 Good and evil exists
2.5 A system of morality is essential for human beings to
be able to operate within the context of a society;
2.6 Happiness is attained through adherence to a system of
morality which represents the pursuit of good and the avoidance of evil
2.7 The search for truth and good is assisted by a
speculative system of symbolism and allegory derived from the operative
builders art and science.
2.8 A belief that the search for truth and the practice of
goodness are virtues and that no man is ever in possession of the ultimate
truth or is the constant practitioner of good;
If a Mason does not accept the foregoing as part of his
system of assumed truths, he has stepped outside the bounds of Freemasonry. He
has developed some other philosophical system -- but it is not Freemasonry. It
is for this reason that it is beyond the powers of any Mason to alter the
Ancient Landmarks.
3 The Laying Down of the Plan
It is from this finite point that the Bricklayer begins to
lay down the lines for the exterior walls. If we assume a rectangular building
-- the bricklayer must now begin the process of "finding the square." The way to
approach this problem is by 3 steps -- the first of about 9 inches -- the second
of 12 -- the third of 15 inches, commencing down the left line. {The Freemason
will note that in the Canadian Rite -- this formula -- A2 + B2 = C2 is reversed.
It is as if our forefather's wanted to arcanely hide Pythagorous' Theorem in the
First Degree}
This process is repeated in the S.E. Corner -- and the lines
extended. The third step is to find the square in the S.W. Angle -- and its
extension forms the extent of the work is about to undertake.
As you are no doubt aware Speculative Masonry spawned at the
time the Age of Enlightenment was in full bloom. Hence the approach to the alter
by Pythagorous theorem can be interpreted as a committment to the principles of
Reason and Science and a rejection of the superstition, animism, and magic which
pervaded the Middle Ages.
It can be seen that from a very early stage in the process
geometry comes into play -- and for the bricklayer "geometry is the basis of his
art". For the speculative Mason Geometry is also the basis of his art -- but for
an entirely different reason. Geometry is the depiction of objects spatially and
the measurement of the objects. The human mind by the very nature of its
operation -- thinks in terms of perceptions measured in time and relative to
other objects in space. No cognizant thought can exist in the human mind unless
it is formulated into a perception This perception, whether it be of an object
or a concept is bounded in space and time and measured relative to other
perceptions. Hence, like the Bricklayer, geometry is the basis of our Masonic
art.
4 The Stonemason's Tools
Lewis Mumford in his famous book Technics and Civilization
draws a distinction between tools and machines. "The essential difference
between a machine and a tool lies in the degree of independence in the operation
from the skill and move power of the operation."
"In general the machine emphasizes specialty of function,
whereas the tool indicates flexibility: a planing machine performs only one
operation, whereas a knife can be used to smooth wood, to carve it, to split it,
or pry open a lock, or to drive a screw." The bricklayer or stonemason, with the
exception of the modern brick saw works exclusively with tools. The quality of
his work is not dependent on whether he can afford an expensive saw or fancy
lathe. The quality of a bricklayer's work depends on the skill and assiduity of
the Craftsman. In like manner the principles and lessons of Freemasonry are
tools and the skill of the Craftsman dictates the quality of the human being.
The tools of a bricklayer then are very simple, few in
number, and with the exception of a few clips and blocks to hold his string, are
identical to the tools described in the Ritual. A carpenter shows up at the job
site with a truck load full of machines and tools -- in may day the European
brickees would show up at the job site with all their tools in a haversack. Yet
despite the simplicity of their tools -- the greatest of architectural monuments
could not have been constructed without these simple tools. In like manner the
most commercially viable and sophisticated societies cannot be built without the
simple principles of truth, justice, compassion, integrity, and a sense of fair
play one to the other.
It is noticeable in the Canadian Rite that the tools are
grouped in the three degrees with some forethought.
4.1 1st Degree -- 24 I.G. Common Gavel, and Chisel
These 3 tools are the critical tools used by a stonemason to
shape the stones which form the stones which form the building material of his
structure. As a group they signify that the Apprentice Mason is to work on self
-- removing personal defects and making self improvement.
4.2 2nd Degree --- Square, Level, and Plumb Rule
These 3 tools are tools of measurement which the stonemason
makes use of in the squaring of the stone and the construction of the building.
For the Craftsman they allude to moral principles which are critical in our
relationship to others -- namely to Man and to God. The level being the symbol
of equality encompasses all these ethical principles which are necessary for a
healthy relationship between Man + Man. The plum rule, being a measurement of
gravitational pull comprehends the qualities of a relationship with the
spiritual dimension. The square -- which combines the level and plum rule --
symbolizes that union of the earthly and spiritual qualities.
4.3 3rd Degree -- Skirrett, Pencil, and the Compasses
These are the tools of design of future plans. They are the
tools of a master architect and are suitable for the Master Mason's degree. The
compass which is so critical in the forming of squares, circles, and every
geometric form is particularly suitable as the emblem of the Grand Master.
5 The Laying of the Cornerstone
To commence the construction the Bricklayer must first lay a
cornerstone. Traditionally this was done in the N.E. Angle although you can
start in any corner. The way to lay this block is by three distinct steps:
5.1 You take a small pace forward with your left foot and
place the level in its hollow.
It is in this position that you acquire information as to
whether the block is plumb in the East.
5.2 You take a small pace forward with your right foot and
place the level in its hollow.
It is in this position that you acquire information as to
whether the block is plumb in the North. You make the necessary adjustments.
5.3 Since the stone is squared, there is no necessity to
determine whether it is level.
If it is plumb on the sides it , by definition, is level on
the top. In a speculative sense, this may refer to the religious doctrine ....
That if your spiritual well being is in good order ... You will find your
relationships with your fellowman will axiomatically be in good order. The third
step is to determine whether this cornerstone is following the chalk lines. To
do this you take a small pace forward with your left foot and place the right
foot in its hollow thus forming a square. You then site down both chalk lines
and make the necessary adjustments.
6 The laying of the Corner
As a standard procedure, the bricklayer will lay up one
corner -- then proceed to lay up a corner at the second angle -- and then set up
a string so he can fill in the wall. Thus his progression from the N.E. Angle to
the S.E. Angle parallels and reflects the journey of the candidate in
Speculative Freemasonry.
Customarily he will lay up 7 courses as this is the number of
rows which the man of average height can work. To lay a 7 course corner he will
start with 4 and 3 blocks forming the bottom course. Whether this has any
connection to the proposition that it takes 7 to hold a lodge I cannot say --
but it is an interesting coincidence which holds some symbolic significance. It
is at this point that block, trowel, mortar and mason come together. I will now
lay a few blocks to demonstrate the technique.
6.1 The Grip
The way to grip the block is by having the hands slide down
the outside of the block in order that you may exert a distinct pressure on the
block. It is essential to understand that a bricklayer , although he uses his
eyes visually to determine the correct positioning of the block ..... Feel is
also critical. As you gather experience in the trade you can feel when a block
is plumb and level. In the speculative sense this not only suggests that it was
a natural evolution for speculative Masonry to develop certain grips .... It
also alludes to the fact that many moral issues are not completely resolvable by
logic. The Speculative Mason after years in the Craft develops a sense of feel
for what is right and what is wrong and what is not worth pursuing.
6.2 The Trowel
Although mentioned in the Ancient York Rite as emblematically
representing the dispensing of brotherly love -- it has no express mention in
the Canadian Rite. I always think of the trowel as being symbolic of the
Freemason himself. The trowel consist of it apex which is called the toe, the
handle which is called the head, and the rod portion which is called the neck,
and finally the blade which is called the soul. It is after all the Freemason
who dispenses brotherly love, relief, and truth.
6.3 Mortar
One of the problems for the layman is how to get the mortar
to stick to the trowel. I suggest that the Masonic Ritual itself is symbolized
by the Brickie's mortar. The mortar serves to bind the individual stones -- to
form a common wall. The Ritual forms the common bond which unites and binds
individual masons -- of different religions and different political parties in
the mystical system called Freemasonry. Like a skillful bricklayer the Freemason
has to take the time to memorize his Ritual work so that it sticks to his sole
and can become a useful tool in everyday life.
But there is a second property of the mortar which tends to
symbolize the Ritual. The mortar is a semi-fluid and the brick or stone floats
in the mortar until it solidifies. If you tap on one end -- it goes down -- and
the other rises. In like manner -- a Freemason who studies, understands, and
makes an honest attempt to apply the principles found in the Ritual will find
his life seems to find an balance and be on the level and on the square.
There is yet another reason why the mortar is a fitting
symbol of the Ritual. Just as no two persons are equal or perfect -- no two
stones or bricks are perfectly square. By joining them with mortar -- the stone
mason has a medium which tolerates these imperfections in the building material
and allows him to continue construct a wall which is square, level, and plumb.
In like manner the Ritual is the common bond which both unites the Brethren with
a common bond and at the same time preserves their individuality. In this way
the mortar symbolizes the tolerance which is a virtue to be mastered by every
Mason.
6.4 The Knocks
You will notice in the laying of the blocks you always hear
the ringing of the trowel. This is music to the Brickie's ears since it
indicates bricklayers at work which means money, security, and the good things
of life. In like manner the knocks in a speculative lodge when heard outside the
door indicate that the speculative masons are at work .... There is a certain
rythem to the knocks. In the first degree they always remind me of the pound
pound pound of an apprentice .... But by the time they get to the Third Degree
they carry the sound of Mozart's Magic Flute .... And have the characteristic of
a Master Mason lightly touching the block into its appointed place.
6.5 The Perambulation
When a man first joins the Craft the habit of perambulating
the Lodge is often considered strange and awkward. However, if you think of a
construction site and the normal movements of a stone mason you recognize that
he is always moving up and down the wall. For the majority of Bricklayers ,
(being right handed) the natural and preferred method of laying is from left to
right .... Thus forming a clockwise motion. Clearly once the building moves
above 7 courses and the scaffold are erected ... The preferred movement is
around the outside ... Since stonemasons ... Unlike Worshipful Masters who are
presiding over their last official meeting .... Cannot walk on air.
6.6 The Plumb Rule
As the bricklayer gets above 3 or 4 courses, he has to change
the use of his plumb rule. In these cases he places his knee against the level ,
leans forward and grip the level .... And as he leans over he can see the Mark
Well.
7 Closing Comments
At the outset I had suggested that by looking at the
symbolism and lessons of the Craft in a practical manner, Freemasonry can then
find practical application in our lives. In closing let me attempt to provide an
example.
If the constructed wall symbolizes the Lodge and the blocks
of the wall symbolize the members of the Wall, we have a situation in which all
are united in a common cause while at the same time they preserve their
individuality. The mortar which binds the stones allows for a degree of
difference which is tolerated within the system. However, that degree of
difference cannot be of such an extent as to defy the laws of gravitation and
cause the whole wall to come down. Hence the concept of Masonic toleration has
built into it the idea that the toleration is within reasonable limits.
Either this fall or next spring we are promised a federal
election. The Prime Minister and the Leader of the opposition are suggesting
that this election will be about values. No doubt on the Prime Minister's side
he is going to speak about the great Canadian tradition of being tolerant of
other people. However, that statement is meaningless unless you define the
limits of the tolerance. After all, if one tolerates the actions of the Khmer
Rouge on the basis that this is a cultural practice and one is tolerant of other
people's cultural practices .... One has now condoned genocide. In the Liberal's
case they appear to tolerate homosexuals as having the same status as a
heterosexual family .... Yet they can't tolerate law abiding citizens having a
shotgun to shoot ducks.
On the other side of the floor, we have the Alliance freedom
train who urge the population to tolerate and fund private religious schools
...... But on the question of abortion they are not prepared to abide by and
tolerate the decision of the girl, her parents, her spouse, doctor, and Minister
on what is the best choice for her in that situation.
I am not bringing up these issues to enter into a debate on
partisan politics. I am bringing them up in order to raise the question .....
When our politicians speak of tolerance .... Are they talking about a tolerance
based on principles which has clearly defined limitations as to what is and what
is not tolerated ..... Or are they simply using the word to promote those causes
which they like while at the same time rejecting other causes which they do not
like?
Possibly they should look at the example of a block mortared
into the wall. The mortar does allow for some imperfections so that each block
does not have to be perfectly square ..... But on the other hand, the blocks
must not deviate so much from the norm that they break the rules of gravitation
and cause the whole wall to come tumbling down. Where that line is drawn, of
course, is a matter for each individual Mason in their journey through the
Craft.
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