From Rough Ashlar to Refined Self: The Masonic Journey Toward Perfection

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Jim Stapleton

In Freemasonry, the Rough and Perfect Ashlars are two important symbols that represent the moral and spiritual development of the individual Mason. By understanding the meaning of the Rough and Perfect Ashlars, we can gain insight into the necessary journey of personal growth and self-improvement that is required of us all. However, despite our best efforts, perfection will always remain out of reach. This shortfall should not be seen as a failure. The important truth is that the value of perfection lies not in its attainment, but in the pursuit of perfection. The journey toward perfection helps us to grow, learn resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.

The Rough Ashlar is a stone taken directly from the quarry in its raw and unshaped form. The rock is jagged, uneven, and not suitable for use in construction. We view the Rough Ashlar as a symbol of the new Brother as they embark on their Masonic Journey. As a Rough Ashlar, they are full of potential, but in need of refinement. The goal of the Freemason is to shape this imperfect stone into something useful, just as an operative stonemason would carve a stone hewn from the quarry into a building block fit for construction. The process of shaping the stone symbolizes our work towards self-improvement and the journey toward moral and ethical development.

In contrast, the Perfect Ashlar is a stone that has been carefully shaped, polished, and squared. Through its transformation, it is ready to be used in the construction of a building. In Freemasonry, it represents the ideal that every Mason should strive to be - a moral person that is wise and caring. The Perfect Ashlar is the product of a lifetime of continuous effort, reflection, and discipline. The stone is no longer flawed and therefore made suitable for the construction of the Spiritual Edifice. 

Striving for perfection is a noble endeavor, but we can never reach a truly perfect state. Afterall, as humans we are imperfect beings. Yet, the process of striving towards an ideal state encourages personal growth and perseverance. People who aim for perfection in their craft - whether in art, sports, science, or personal development - often achieve a level of excellence far beyond what they would have if they never made the attempt. The Japanese concept of kaizen encourages continuous improvement through small, incremental changes. Every small improvement contributes to long-term growth and fosters a mindset that values effort over final outcomes.

Consider the example of an artist. A painter may never create a "perfect" masterpiece, but the process of attempting to do so refines their technique, enhances their creativity, and deepens their emotional expression. Every mistake, correction, and revision shapes their skills and overall understanding of their craft. Similarly, the scientific field is full of examples of people building on past discoveries to achieve progress. The process of challenging existing paradigms and proposing new ideas leads to groundbreaking discoveries. Thomas Edison, considered to be amongst the most prolific inventors, experienced a number of failures. He often credited those failures as learning opportunities that helped him to achieve success. Athletes are another example because they face constant failures such as missed shots, losses, and injuries. Those who remain committed to the process of improvement often come back stronger. When perfection is thought of as a guiding principle rather than a destination, failure becomes a valuable teacher. People who embrace failure as part of the process develop resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset.

Those who pursue perfection with the belief that it is obtainable may experience suffering as a result. Perfectionism can lead to increased anxiety, stress, depression, fear of failure, procrastination, strained relationships, etc. The unrealistic expectations they set for themselves and others is unhealthy and unproductive. 

The symbolism of the Rough and Perfect Ashlars are important images for Masons to use in their daily lives. Recognizing that we are imperfect and that we need to develop the tools, skills, and discipline to improve ourselves is the point of our spiritual journey. While the attainment of perfection is impossible for us, the journey towards perfection is where the true value lies. Slow and steady progress with the goal of working towards perfection is how we grow, develop wisdom, and become more resilient. Through this mindset we can unlock the power to become better, stronger, and more fulfilled individuals.

~JS

Jim Stapleton a Past Master of USS New Jersey Lodge No. 62. He is also a member of the New Jersey Lodge of Masonic Research and Education No. 1786. Jim received the Distinguished White Apron Award from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. He was awarded the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award. Jim is also a member of the Society of King Solomon.

There Are No “Perfect” Ashlars

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

Bro. Erik M. Geehern

This past December, as the new year approached, I was discussing my actions and behavior over the past year when it comes to Masonry with a friend and Brother.  That discussion around our ashlars and the work of perfecting them led me to write what follows as a thought exercise and introspection on one of the key principles of our Craft.

As Masons, we are taught that we begin our Masonic journey as a rough ashlar. A stone from the quarry that is jagged, rough, unprepared, or undressed. This stone has tremendous potential, but in its current state, it is not quite ready to be utilized to build something magnificent. This is an allegory to an uninitiated man before he discovers any Light in Masonry. We are taught that by using the working tools, by chipping off the corners and rough edges we can transform ourselves, fitting our minds as living stones for that house not made with hands. Through Masonic education, service to the Craft, and Brotherly love we must strive to achieve an upstanding life and obtain enlightenment, becoming that perfect ashlar.

Being a relatively newer Mason, only being Raised a few years ago, I have already come to a realization… there are no perfect ashlars.

Our Lodge is almost 170 years old. The roster has stayed at about forty to fifty Brothers since I joined, on a great Stated Meeting night we might have twelve Brothers attend, we usually have six or seven. Realistically, as a percentage of active members that isn’t too bad. Over the past few years, we’ve had some internal disagreements, old guard vs new guard, building changes, and so on. The disagreements, from an outsider’s point of view, seemed to me to be more of the status quo contending with implementing change. I’m sure it surprises no one reading this that sometimes there are differences in opinion within the Lodge that cause strife. But what did surprise me was how each individual Brother within the Lodge handled themselves throughout this time.

Now that the proverbial dust has settled and we are in our new building and resuming the true work of Masonry, I have been reflecting on the past few years and their impact, not just on the Lodge, but on myself as a man and Mason. Our Lodge has members that range in age from their early thirties through their late nineties, consisting of Past District Deputies, Right Worshipfuls, Very Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, DSA Recipients, and those of us newly Raised. In my observation none of us, myself included, acted in a way that was “perfect” over the past few years. Whether it be letting our egos control our behavior or reactions, speaking negatively about a fellow Brother, or some other negative response or action, not a single Brother truly subdued their passions entirely. Now, some certainly did a better job of utilizing their common gavels to divest their minds and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of life better than others did, but in the end, we are all just men… imperfect, at times rough around the edges, with room for personal improvement.

There are a few Brothers specifically I look to as models of what a good Mason should be, mentors I look to for guidance, and Light. Yet, even they are not without the occasional rough edge, whether it be a disparaging comment, an acceptance of another Brother’s poor behavior when something should be said, or generally neglecting to whisper wise counsel when doing so could help another Brother grow as a man and Mason.

I am very cognizant of the fact that my ashlar in its current state has quite a bit of work to be done on it, that is why I am here, why I wanted to be a Mason. My ashlar will never be perfect, and that is alright, no Mason’s ever is. This temple we are building within ourselves will never be completed. The goal is to strive for continuous improvement. Continue to break off those rough edges, seek out more Light, show more Brotherly love, and help others learn and grow. The perfect ashlar is the target, not a goal. It can never be achieved, at least not on earth.

We have a lot of work to do in our Lodge to repair relationships, drive membership and make our new building our long-time home, and I look forward to the weeks, months, and years ahead with great optimism. Working with my Brothers, on the building, the Lodge, and our own individual ashlars is sure to be a challenge and a reward, we know these words to be true, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1.

Perhaps, at the end of our journey, when we finally lay down our working tools and the record of our life is read, those who continued to work in their quarry and refine their ashlar will be honored by the Great Architect of the Universe with those words “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Erik M. Geehern is currently Junior Warden of Goshen Masonic Lodge #365 in Goshen, NY under the Grand Lodge of New York. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in October of 2019 and since then has served as Assistant Secretary, Mentor, and Charitable Committee member and chairman. He writes and curates a newsletter for his Lodge quarterly which disseminates education, history, and esoterics. He is also a member of the Grand College of Rites and the Kansas Lodge of Research. He works in restaurant operations & consulting, and when not engaged in his usual vocation, or laboring in the Craft, he loves spending time with his wife and two children.