The Square

V.W.Bro. Harold W. Hughes G.R.Ont. 1957

In our Craft lodge ritual, the square has three distinct and different symbolisms. It serves as an emblem of the Worshipful Master, as a working tool of a Fellowcraft and as the second of the Three Great Lights. Being concerned with it here only in the last capacity, we will deal with it only in relation to the Three Great Lights.

I would ask the brethren to remember that it is a "try square" and not a carpenter's square, as it is often depicted and that it must not be confused with the square as a four- sided figure of right angles and equal sides, which is a very different symbol.

As the "try square" was an instrument used for testing angles, or squareness, it came to serve as a symbol of that which is mundane or human, as opposed to divine. But as it was used to prove that angles were right, it received the further significance of true character, of conformity with righteousness, of duty done, etc. It is the symbol of right character in its human relationship.