Comments on The North Eastern Corner: The Missing Working Tool

2011-07-17T13:17:59.473-04:00

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Actually the Chisel is not missing! It is part of ...

2011-07-17T13:16:20.114-04:00

Actually the Chisel is not missing! It is part of the Common Gavel. [img]http://www.masonic-lodge-of-education.com/images/Gavel-Original-English_250x138.gif[/img] This is the tool the operative Apprentice mason first learns to rough cut stone to size for the finish stonemason to square and finish. Thus the speculative instruction to "... to break off the corners of the rough stones, the better to fit them for the builders' use..." Look at a modern version of the same tool here and read its description. [url]http://astore.amazon.com/luebeck-haus_tools-trow-20/detail/B000CS0UIC[/url]

It is the 'finish' chisel that is being describe as the missing tool. A tool that requires more advance training and knowledge for its proper use. Thus, the Emulation Ritual of the UGLE description of "... Chisel to further smooth and prepare the stone and render it fit for the hands of the more expert workman ..." and the more advanced speculative allegory of education.

Thanks for the book suggestion MP and thanks for t...

2011-05-04T22:40:47.231-04:00

Thanks for the book suggestion MP and thanks for the heads up Dean. I will join the York rite when the work of my lodge is complete, or at least on auto pilot!

Not to give anything away....but The Chisel may sh...

2011-05-03T19:08:43.074-04:00

Not to give anything away....but The Chisel may show up in York Rite Masonry! haha You should join us :-) Great blog! i'm a big fan! - Bro. Dean Palmer Jr
Temple Lodge #16
Cheshire, CT

As Br. Matthews points out, other jurisdictions ha...

2011-05-02T08:53:08.134-04:00

As Br. Matthews points out, other jurisdictions have other working tools.
Most GLs which used some derivation of Emulation Ritual have three working tools for each degree, and for an understanding of them, without using the specific wording, I highly recommend Freemasonry: a Journey Through Ritual and Symbol by RW Br. W. Kirk MacNulty.

Thank you Brother. I am constantly reminded of how...

2011-05-01T08:39:53.099-04:00

Thank you Brother. I am constantly reminded of how our fraternity is global and ritual varies form jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
I love the idea of the chisel having to be constantly re-sharpened, it is so true. I will have to incorporate that into version 2!
I have always had a question for Masons in the Southern Hemisphere. Our officers sit in the East, South, and West because that is how the sun travels in the sky. Do your officers sit in the East, North, and West as the sun travels down there?

Bro. Thank you for your lecture. You would be intr...

2011-05-01T02:41:07.513-04:00

Bro. Thank you for your lecture. You would be intrigued to know that under the South Australian and Northern Territory Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons that there are 3 working tools for the Entered Apprentice. They are the Chisel, the 24" Gauge, and the common gavel.

The Chiesel is explained as thus, "The chisel points out the advantages of education, which cultivates out minds and renders us better members of society."

Having started my own project on carving myself a roughen ashlar I have also noticed how applicable this chisel is. Every time you use it to cut the rock it becomes dull and must be sharpened.

Kind Fraternal Regards,

Bro. Richard Matthews
Entered Apprentice
Earl of Chester Lodge No. 098
South Australian Constitution