Letter of the month: October 2002

Subject: Masonic Logo
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 14:44:39 -0400
From: "Paul Olt" <Paul.Olt@sprint-canada.com>
To: <masonry-ask@MIT.EDU>

Dear Sirs,

I am a curious non-member... Can you kindly explain me the three elements of the Masonic Logo?

First, at the top, I believe a compasses. Is it correct? Second, capital letter "G". What is the meaning? Third, at the bottom, something like wide letter "V". What is the meaning?

Where on the Internet can I learn more about the logo?

Thanks and all the best from

Paul OLT
Toronto

To: "Paul Olt" <Paul.Olt@sprint-canada.com>
Subject: Re: Masonic Logo
In-Reply-To: Your message of "Fri, 18 Oct 2002 14:44:39 EDT."
 <DD09D0EA4F48A8448C15197BB0578A0106FCAE96@vpme2kb3.callnetcanada.com> 
--------

The emblem is called a "square and compasses". (The "v" thing is a builder's square")

The square is used by architects and stone masons to verify that corners are a proper (90 degrees) square. Freemasons use it as an emblem of honesty and "square dealing" -- being fair and trustworthy.

Architects and stone masons use the compasses to lay off distances along a line and to draw circles. For Freemasons it is an emblem of self-restraint and moderation.

The G stands for several things, first of all "Geometry" -- the study of order and beauty in mathematics and nature.

(You can see also a previous letter for more about the square and compasses.)

And now you know.

+---------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Gary L. Dryfoos <dryfoo@mit.edu>| Ocean Lodge AF&AM, Saugus, MA (PM)
| P.O.Box 425400, Camb, MA 02142  | Mt. Scopus Lodge AF&AM, Malden, MA (PM)
| w: 617.253-0184 f: 617.258-6875 | Richard C. Maclaurin Lodge, MIT, MA
|  "A Page About Freemasonry"     | Internet Lodge #9659, E. Lancs UGLE   
|  http://mit.edu/dryfoo/Masonry/ | 32~; MPS; B'hood o/t Blue Forget-Me-Not 
|                                 | RWG Rep.GL Russia near GL Massachusetts 
| "...one sacred band, or society of Friends and Brothers, among
|  whom no contention should ever exist, save that noble contention,
|  or rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree."
+===========================================================================