Washington Lodge

The Broken Column is symbolic of the uncertainty of life. It reminds us that life does not always extend to old age, but is often cut short in youth, or when is has been fondly supposed that there still remained many years of activity and happiness. It is therefore often placed in church-yards and cemeteries, to mark the last resting-place of those who have been called away early from this world. Few things are of greater importance to us than that of continually bearing in mind the uncertainty of life, reflecting that we don’t know what a day may bring forth, that “we know not that which shall be, and there is none that can tell us when it shall be” (Ecel, 8. 7). This should lead us to value time, walking cautiously, “not as fools but as wise,” considering “that the day of the lord so cometh as a thief in the night: For when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” The sight of the broken column, therefore, reminds us that it is both our duty and our interest so to live. It does not diminish, but increases the happiness of life, all its pure and true happiness to be always mindful of life’s uncertainty, and to set our affections upon the things which are above. It leads us to take heed that every hour is spent aright, that every day may have its record of “something purposed, something done,” it leads to that practice of piety and virtue, which God delights to behold, which has a present reward in peace of heart, and by which we become blessings to all connected with us.

It is a fearful thought, that of a wicked man cut off by a sudden stroke of death, the unprepared soul hurried in a moment into the presence of God. Let the broken column ever remind us to seek the lord whilst He may be found, to call upon Him whilst he is near. The broken column, whenever we look upon it, ought to be regarded as calling us to repentance and prayer, to earnestness in the discharge of every duty, to continual pressing forwards, and looking upwards.

From a book entitled “Masonic symbolism” from the Grand Lodge of Iowa.

From time immemorial, Freemasons have enjoyed meeting about a "Festive Board" loaded with the fruits of their labor.  Special emphasis was placed on the Summer and Winter Solstice, late in June and and December, which were, and are, St. John the Baptist (June 24th) and St. John the Evangelist (December 27th).  The twentieth century has found Masonry ignoring, and often ignorant of, both the "Festive Board" and the Festivals.  Is this as it should be?  The answer may be partially revealed in the following recount of the history of the Table Lodge.

Man has been continually seeking some noble purpose to pursue even centuries ago, when life was perhaps more perilous and severe, feasting became a major diversion, as much for social desires as to satisfy the needs of the inner-man.

The feasts which are probably the oldest of all Fraternal repasts were those of the "Mysteries" of ancient Egypt, the so-called "Sons of Light."  The oldest of Masonic origin, of which we have any reliable record, were the feasts upon being "Entered" and "Passed" to a Fellow of the Craft.  These go back far beyond the records of organized Masonry.

The Masonic desirability of a social dinner is as old as

Masonry is a unique institution that has been a major part of community life in America for over 250 years. Masonry, or more properly Freemasonry, is America's largest and oldest fraternity and one that continues to be an important part of many men's personal lives and growth.

Many years ago in England it was described as "a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols." It is a course of moral instruction using both allegories and symbols to teach its lessons. The legends and myths of the old stonecutters and Masons, many of them involved in building the great cathedrals of Europe, have been woven into an interesting and effective way to portray moral truths.