Within the Lodge room are found the ornaments of the Lodge, which are the Mosaic pavement, the Indented Tessel, and the Blazing Star, all of which reflect upon the moral and spiritual goals of our lives. This place of Masonic Light represents the source and wisdom through which we are to practice Brotherly Love and serve both the Craft and humanity. Dedicated to God, the Holy Book is placed upon an altar centered in the Lodge room, as it should be centered in our lives as reminder of our duty and obligations.

The Holy Book is placed upon an altar to teach us two important lessons, namely reverence and sacrifice. Reverence is appropriate each time we approach the altar. We should do so with solemnity and respect, for all of the Craft have come this way in seeking Light. In addition it is most important to recognize before whom we stand. Our prayers, our obligations, our ceremonies, and the business of the Lodge are centered about this place and the source of its wisdom.

There is a second lesson to be seen in the altar, for altars historically have been places of sacrifice. Noah upon landing after the Flood, Moses upon crossing the Red Sea, and others have constructed structures above ground to offer a sacrifice to the Great Architect, in recognizing their dependence upon Him and gratitude for His guidance and protection. The Freemason should look deeper into his place before the altar in an expression of his sacrifice of his passions and vices in the pursuit of a better life, a purer heart, and more service to his fellow man.

Each time before our Holy altar we offer ourselves as Masonic stones to be fitted into noble deeds and a better world. Let us never forget our obligations to each other and to the Great Architect of the Universe.