Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Masonic Tools and Case used at Dedication of Charlton Masonic Home
ca. 1911
Maker not marked
USA
a: leather, silk; b-d: silver
a (closed): 3/4"h x 16-3/8"w x 9-1/8"d; b: 3-3/4"h x 7-1/8"w x 1/8"d; c: 3-7/8"h x 6"w x 1/8"d; d: 6"h x 1"w x 1/8"d
Loaned by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts
GL2004.6510a-d

a: Black leather-covered case with hinged lid and two clasps on side. Stamped in gold on front "Used at Dedication / May 25th 1911." Lined on both sides with light blue silk. One side has indentations for the tools. b: Silver square engraved with measured markings. Engraved on the back "Used at dedication / of / The Masonic Home / Charlton Mass. / May 25, 1911." c: Silver level engraved with decoration on front. Engraved on back "Used at dedication / of The Masonic Home / Charlton, Mass. / May 25 1911." d: Silver plumb with decorative elements engraved on front. Engraved on back is "Used at dedication / of / The Masonic Home / Charlton, Mass. / May 25, 1911."

Many Masonic symbols are based on the tools that were used by working, or operative, stonemasons. These are sometimes called “working tools.” Freemasons adapted stonemasons’ tools to represent qualities valued in Freemasonry and to symbolize lodge officers. The square is the emblem of the lodge master and represents virtue. The plumb symbolizes uprightness. The Junior Warden of a lodge wears a jewel in the shape of a plumb. The plumb, square, and level are, together, the working tools of the Fellow Craft Degree. For further information, see Newell, Aimee, et.al., "Curiosities of the Craft: Treasures from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Collection", 2013, p. 156-157.