Building on Symbolism: The Cornerstone

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

WB Christian Garrett, 32°, K.T.

The cornerstone has long been considered to be an essential element of many  buildings, a tradition that has long survived throughout many ages and cultures. While  we as Masons are familiar with our symbolic teachings surrounding the cornerstone,  which I will touch on later, I thought it might be helpful to explore some examples of the  use of cornerstones in history.  

Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures would lay their foundation stones  in a tradition similar to that of a “ground-breaking” ceremony as a “foundation ritual.”  The purpose of which was to call upon the favor of their Gods to protect their  structures from destruction by the elements or any other malevolent force. During  these “foundation rituals” stones would be hollowed out and filled with vessels  containing an array of different symbolic items pertaining to the intended use of the  building and the Deity it was dedicated too. These stones were then placed in different  corners of the buildings, at the entrance of the structure, or in some instances at a  different point of importance depending on the type of structure being built. 

In the customs and traditions of Freemasonry we see many examples of both  the operative and symbolic uses of the cornerstone. One of our few ceremonies that  are open to public is that of the laying of the cornerstone, of which one of the earliest  mentions dates back to the entry in Mist’s Weekly Journal of May 26th, 1722. It stated  “The first stone of the foundation at the same corner above ground being twelve feet  above the other, was laid with a great deal of ceremony by the society of Freemasons,  who on that occasion, were very generous to the workmen.” 

The cornerstone is also a deeply meaningful symbol within Masonic philosophy.  The newly initiated Entered Apprentice is placed in the northeast corner of the lodge.  This in itself has several meanings. Newly made Masons are the foundation of our  entire Craft, for without new members to carry our traditions forward into the future, our  work dies with us. The laborer of today is the overseer of tomorrow. Thus, we are to  take pride in the laying of these new Masons as cornerstones of our lodges, and to  guide their placement within the craft with studious attention and care.

This placement is also a symbolic halfway point between the darkness of the  North and the light of the East. This first step of the initiate marks a transition from  darkness and error, to that of light and truth. The charge he receives reiterates this by  stating how he should live, walk, and act in the outer world. In this moment, he is a  neophyte that is receiving its first nurturing rays that will perpetuate his growth on his  Masonic journey towards light. 

We all as Masons, from the youngest Entered Apprentice to the Worshipful  Master of the lodge, are ever erecting our spiritual temples. We labour in this daily,  brick by brick, through our charitable acts, selfless deeds, caring spirits, and truthful  dealings with one another. May the cornerstone of our spiritual temples be steadfast  and built upon the principles of integrity, stability, and longevity.

~CG

Christian Garrett is the current Worshipful Master of Cottage Grove Masonic Lodge #51in Cottage Grove, Oregon.  He is also an affiliate member of Eugene Lodge #11 and McKenzie River Lodge #195 in Eugene, Oregon. A 32° member of the Eugene Valley of the Scottish Rite, Scribe of Cottage Grove Royal Arch Chapter #41, Secretary for Hiram Council #7 and Ivanhoe Commandery #2, Senior Warden of Goose and Gridiron Allied Masonic Degrees, and Deputy Director of Units for Al Kader Shriners.

The Symbolism of the Beehive

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

WB Christian Garrett, 32°, K.T.

The beehive is a symbol introduced in the Master Mason lecture, representing industry, cooperation, and the idea that a group of individuals working together can accomplish great things. Bees, as creatures, have long been recognized for their remarkable work ethic and the highly organized and efficient social structure of their hives. For Freemasons, the beehive serves as a reminder of the importance of these values in their own lives.

In Masonic symbolism, the beehive is often depicted as a skep, the traditional woven structure reminiscent of an upside-down basket, or by the hexagonal structure of the cells created by the bees working together within. The hive is often shown with a door or entrance, through which the bees enter and exit. One of the primary lessons that the beehive teaches is the importance of industry. Bees are known for their tireless work ethic, spending their entire lives gathering nectar and pollen and constructing the honeycomb within the hive. Similarly, we as Freemasons are encouraged to work hard and diligently, both in our professional lives and in our Masonic pursuits. By ever being industrious, we as Masons can achieve great things, both individually and as a brotherhood.

Cooperation is another key lesson found within the symbolism of the beehive. As the bees work together in a highly organized and efficient manner, each bee performs a specific task that contributes to the overall success of the hive. This cooperation is necessary for the survival of the hive and the production of honey, which serves as a valuable resource for the bees and for humans. So too do we as Masons, strive to cooperate, utilizing our individual skills for the betterment of not only our individual lodges but our fraternity as a whole and thus the world.

By working together, Masons can achieve greater things than we could on our own. The beehive should also be a reminder of the importance of unity. The individual bees within the hive are all part of a larger community, working together for the common good. In the same way, Masons are part of a larger brotherhood, united by shared morals, values, ethics, and goals. Through unity, we can create a strong and cohesive brotherhood that benefits our members and communities alike.

Similarly, In the Old Testament, we see that bees and honey are often used as symbols of industriousness, cooperation, and abundance. For example, in Judges 14:8, Samson finds bees and honey inside the carcass of a lion, symbolizing the idea that even something that seems dead or useless can still contain valuable resources. Likewise, in Proverbs 16:24, Solomon wrote that "gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones," suggesting that kindness and encouragement can be a source of nourishment and strength, thus we are to choose our words wisely.

Finally, the beehive symbolizes the importance of order and organization. Bees have a highly structured social hierarchy, with each bee knowing its place and role within the hive. This order and organization are essential for the efficient functioning of the hive and the accomplishment of its goals. Similarly, we as Masons value order and organization, both within the fraternity and should strive to in our personal lives. But as our yearly election and installation ceremony remind us, we pass on these duties and responsibilities year after year, in a respectful transition of authority.

The Beehive and The Kabbalah:

"A single bee cannot pollinate the field, but by the efforts of the hive, the world can fill with flowers." - Brother Stephen Webinga 32°

The beehive symbolism in Freemasonry can also be related to Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition that seeks to understand the nature of the divine and the universe. In Kabbalah, there are several teachings that align with the lessons of the beehive symbol.

One of the primary teachings of Kabbalah is the concept of Ein Sof, the infinite and unknowable divine essence that exists beyond all creation. Just as the hive represents a community of bees working together for the common good, Ein Sof represents the unity of all things in the universe, working together in harmony to fulfill a greater purpose.

The beehive also relates to the concept of the Tree of Life, which is the central glyph in Kabbalah that represents the divine structure of the universe. The Tree of Life is composed of ten interconnected spheres, or sefirot, that represent different aspects of the divine, such as wisdom, understanding, and compassion. Each sphere is interdependent and necessary for the overall functioning of the Tree, just as each bee is necessary for the functioning of the hive.

In Kabbalah, the Tree of Life is also associated with the concept of the soul, which is said to be composed of ten levels or dimensions that correspond to the sefirot. Each level represents a different aspect of the individual’s spiritual growth and development, and each level builds upon the one before it. The beehive symbol can be seen as a reminder of the importance of each individual’s contribution to the greater whole, just as each bee in the hive is necessary for the survival and success of the entire colony.

Lastly, the beehive can also be related to the concept of tikkun olam, which is a central idea in Kabbalah and Jewish thought more broadly.

Tikkun olam refers to the idea of repairing the world or making it a better place. This is accomplished through acts of kindness, justice, compassion, and by working together to create a more just and equitable society. The beehive in a similar manner represents the idea that by working together, individuals can accomplish great things and create positive change in the world.

In conclusion, the beehive symbol in Freemasonry can be related to Kabbalah through its emphasis on unity, interdependence, and the importance of working together for the greater good. By reflecting on the lessons of the beehive, we as Masons can deepen our understanding of the divine structure of the universe, our place within it, as well as our role in repairing the world to create a more just and compassionate society.

~CG

Christian Garrett is the current Worshipful Master of Cottage Grove Masonic Lodge #51in Cottage Grove, Oregon.  He is also an affiliate member of Eugene Lodge #11 and McKenzie River Lodge #195 in Eugene, Oregon. A 32° member of the Eugene Valley of the Scottish Rite, Scribe of Cottage Grove Royal Arch Chapter #41, Secretary for Hiram Council #7 and Ivanhoe Commandery #2, Senior Warden of Goose and Gridiron Allied Masonic Degrees, and Deputy Director of Units for Al Kader Shriners.