Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Appliqued Masonic quilt comprised of 16 blocks, each block containing a red square and compasses symbol enclosing a red letter "G", all within a red circle; each circle accompanied by a red gavel, trowel, plumb, level in the corners of each block; a 10" wide border is composed of a blue running vine emerging from flower pots at the corners and mid-points; unusual red piping along the edge.

This appliqué quilt is comprised of sixteen blocks showing the most common Masonic symbol – the square and compasses, signifying reason and faith. Freemasonry grew out of medieval stonemason trade guilds in England and Scotland, eventually becoming a fraternal society for men encouraging sound moral and social virtues. Freemasonry’s tenets are taught through a series of ritualized lessons using symbols to remind the initiates of important principles. Each block also shows the letter G, which stood for geometry, God, or both. At the corners of each block are four important Masonic symbols: a level symbolizing equality; a plumb signifying uprightness; a gavel reminding Masons to divest the heart of vice; and a trowel that spreads the cement that unites Freemasons in brotherly love. For further information, see blog post, February 19, 2013 http://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/2013/02/brave-the-snow-to-see-our-cozy-masonic-quilts.html