The Bricklayer Lecture

© 2002 by W. Brother Cameron MacKay An Operative Bricklayer builds a Speculative
Wall

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.