The Mason's Hand

Within operative masonry the hand is a tool with which to build. From drawing plans to the actual edifice, the hand is an efficient instrument of construction, molding mortar, brick, stone and other materials into a creation of beauty and service. It brings feeling, strength, and purpose together to the builder's use. Great temples are testaments to the hands of the artist, the builder, and the Freemason.

But to the Speculative Mason there is greater depth of meaning found in the hands. They are tools to reach out and aid Brothers to build their Temples. Time and again, in the darkness, as well as in the Light, a Brother is taken by the hand and given assistance, support, and guidance. The clasped hands are representative of the fidelity and trust which are essential to the character of a Freemason. "To lend a helping hand" reminds each of support and insuring a "hand to the back" in aiding, not only a fallen Brother, but all Brothers in their journey to a better life.

Of the five human senses, feeling and touch are communicated primarily through the hands, especially in the dark. We grope for familiar objects to find a path and when we find a friendly grip, or the hand of another, whom we know to be true and faithful, we move confident of direction and purpose. Hand in hand, we move forward toward Light.

While we know of the differences ascribed to the left and right hand, both have equal significance in allowing us to touch one another. The Hand of the Great Architect has always reached out to touch Man, and offer the Path to the Great Temple, not made with hands. His reaching out is an act of Love and Affection taught in each degree.

It is not without significance the clasped hands teach us to reach out toward our Brothers, and our fellow man, not only when asked, but when not asked! This voluntary act of Brotherly Love goes beyond obligation and represents an act of the will toward goodness and happiness in this world. To touch life is to do good, and to do good is to be a true Mason.