VOL. 4, Issue 3

March 2025

Scottish Rite

The Ashlar

Valley of Columbus, Orient of Georgia

Serving Scottish Rite Masons in the Chattahoochee Valley

“Time, patience, and perseverance will accomplish all things.” — Freemasonry Proverb

Brethren,

You may have noticed that this month’s Ashlar arrives a little later than usual. While the Square reminds us to act justly, and the Compass teaches us to keep our passions within due bounds, it is Time—our ever-faithful yet relentless companion—that we so often take for granted, until it humbly reminds us of its power.

This delay, while not ideal, offered a rare moment for reflection. In our Masonic journey, we are taught to circumscribe our actions within due bounds with all mankind, especially a Brother. But do we extend that same Masonic charity toward ourselves when we fall behind? When obligations pile up, when energy wanes, or when the calendar simply overtakes us?

In the speculative temple we each labor within, there are seasons of great productivity—and seasons of rest, disruption, or delay. These are not failings; they are human truths. The working tools of Freemasonry are not there to shame us for imperfection but to guide us back to center when life takes us off balance.

As our Ashlar: College of Freemasonry teaches more than just ritual, history, or philosophy—it reminds us how to live a well-regulated life. And sometimes, that means recognizing that late is not the same as never, and delayed is not the same as forgotten. The stone may take longer to polish, but it still becomes part of the structure.

So while this issue may not have arrived on the first of the month, it arrives with purpose and reflection. It reminds us that time is both a taskmaster and a teacher, and that the true test of a Mason is not whether he stumbles—but how he regains his step.

Thank you for your patience. May you use your time wisely, forgive delays graciously, and continue your labors with strength renewed.

Fraternally and respectfully,
Cameron J. Davis, 32° KCCH
Editor, The Ashlar

Excerpt

Cameron J. Davis, 32° KCCH

Fraternally,

Cameron J. Davis, 32° KCCH
European Representative
Valley of Columbus, Ga.
colkm@gascottishrite.org

President
AMSRB-NATO e.V.
Valley of Washington, DC
cameron.davis@amsrb-nato.com

European Representative

Comments

Dear Brethren,

February was an eventful month for the European Brethren of the American Canadian Grand Lodge (ACGL) and Freemasonry as a whole. From international conferences to historic twinning ceremonies and charitable endeavors, our fraternity continues to build bridges across borders while strengthening the bonds of brotherhood. In my article this month, I will try to highlight some of our most notable key events that showcased our commitment to Masonic ideals, charity, and global unity.

ACGL Representation at the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America

During the second week of February, Right Worshipful Brothers Arda Çilingir, 32°, Anthony Ward, 32° KCCH, Tarik Eker, 32°, and Most Worshipful Brother (Ill) James E. Barrett, 33° of the American Canadian Grand Lodge (ACGL), attended the prestigious Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America (COGMNA) held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This esteemed gathering comprises the Grand Lodges of Canada’s provinces, the states of the United States (including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico), the State of York, Mexico, and the American Canadian Grand Lodge of Germany. Notably, the ACGL is the only European Grand Lodge in COGMNA, further highlighting its unique position within the global Masonic landscape. The Conference is the largest assembly of Grand Masters in the world, representing nearly 2 million Freemasons across North America, with attendees from various countries coming together in fraternal unity. The presence of ACGL leadership further solidified our engagement with the global Masonic community, fostering connections and discussions on the future of the Craft.

Georgia Masonic Hospitality: A Memorable Visit to Columbus

Following the COGMNA, RW Tarik Eker, 32°, and Past Grand Master MW James E. Barrett, 33°, took the opportunity to visit Columbus, Georgia, where they experienced true Georgia Masonic hospitality. Their visit included insightful tours of the Valley building and Mt. Hermon Lodge No. 304, enriching their understanding of the region’s Masonic traditions. Additionally, they attended a meeting at Midland Lodge No. 144, where they were warmly received by the Brethren. Both have expressed their deep appreciation and gratitude to all the Brethren who took the time to meet with them and host them for the day. The visit was both enjoyable and inspiring, further strengthening fraternal bonds across jurisdictions.

Historic Twinning Ceremony Hosted by Solomon Lodge No. 822

On 22 February, Solomon Lodge No. 822 proudly hosted a significant Masonic twinning event, uniting brethren from Lawrence United Lodge (Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, USA), Sanctorum Lodge No. 462 (Bucharest, Romania, under the Grand Lodge of Romania, MLNR), and our very own Solomon Lodge No. 822. With 37 brethren in attendance, the event was graced by the presence of the Grand Master and Grand Line of the American Canadian Grand Lodge, the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and the Pro Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Romania. This momentous occasion reaffirmed the universal brotherhood of Freemasonry, celebrating our shared principles and traditions beyond borders.

50th Anniversary of the George Washington Charity Ball

Last but not least, Solomon Lodge No. 822, American Canadian Grand Lodge, proudly hosted its 50th Anniversary of the George Washington Charity Ball on 22 February at the prestigious Pullman Hotel. With over 180 esteemed guests in attendance, the evening was a resounding success. The ball raised an impressive 4010€ ($4350) for our designated charity, Karlshöhe Ludwigsburg Jugendhilfe (Youth Welfare Service), ensuring continued support for this noble cause.

RW Arda Çilingir, 32°, and I co-chaired the event’s Committee, with RW Arda serving as the Master of Ceremonies. The occasion was further elevated by the presence of nearly the entire Elected Grand Line of the ACGL and distinguished foreign Masonic leaders, including the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of British Freemasons in Germany and two Pro-Grand Masters of the National Grand Lodge of Romania. The night was a perfect blend of elegance, camaraderie, and charity, marking a milestone in our Lodge’s enduring commitment to Masonic benevolence.

February was a month of profound Masonic engagement, celebrating both tradition and fraternity on a global scale. From international conferences to twinning ceremonies and grand charitable events, the European brethren of ACGL and Solomon Lodge No. 822 continue to exemplify the highest ideals of our Craft. As we look ahead, may we continue to strengthen our bonds, uphold our principles, and work toward the betterment of our fraternity and the world around us.

College of Freemasonry

The Role of Ritual and Symbolism in Modern Freemasonry

by Cameron J. Davis, 32° KCCH, digitally published for the Ashlar on 23 March 2025

Freemasonry, often described as a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols, thrives on its unique blend of tradition, ritual, and philosophical teachings. For centuries, it has captured the imagination of men across the world, regardless of time or place, status or creed. In our rapidly evolving world—where technology changes daily, cultural paradigms shift constantly, and the noise of modern life can drown out introspection—Freemasonry continues to offer something enduring: a sacred space rooted in the eternal principles of brotherhood, self-improvement, and spiritual symbolism.

This article explores how ritual and symbolism—so central to the Craft—continue to serve as meaningful tools in the lives of modern Masons. We will explore their relevance today, how they connect us across Masonic jurisdictions, and how they offer a spiritual framework that transcends cultures and generations.

Ritual as a Living Language

In its most practical sense, Masonic ritual refers to the standardized ceremonies used to confer degrees and conduct meetings. But the deeper truth is this: ritual is not just about memorization and performance. It is a living language—one that speaks across generations, cultures, and even national boundaries.

When a man is initiated into the Craft, he does not merely witness a ceremony. He participates in a transformative experience, drawn from traditions stretching back centuries. These rites are not empty traditions; they are designed to speak directly to the initiate’s heart and mind.

Ritual serves many purposes:

Transmission of Values – Through allegory and symbolic action, the ritual conveys the central moral teachings of Freemasonry: integrity, fortitude, temperance, and justice.
Sacred Theater – Masonic ritual, like religious liturgy or classical drama, creates a liminal space in which participants are drawn out of the mundane and into the realm of the sacred.
Community and Continuity – When Masons perform ritual together, they engage in a shared cultural experience. Whether it's a degree conferral, a closing charge, or the simple opening and closing of lodge, these ceremonies reinforce our collective identity.

One of the powerful aspects of ritual is its consistency. Regardless of where a Mason is in the world, he will recognize familiar elements: the working tools, the three great lights, the progression of degrees. The phrasing may vary slightly; the steps may differ subtly. But the meaning remains. This consistency builds a bridge from Lodge to Lodge, from one Mason to another.

In a time when society is increasingly fragmented and communities are often transient or virtual, the ritual of Freemasonry offers something enduring and rooted—something that asks us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our better selves.

Symbolism: The Silent Teacher

Freemasonry is famously symbolic. In fact, symbolism forms the bedrock of the Masonic method of instruction. Operative Masons used tools to build cathedrals and castles; speculative Masons use those same tools to build character.

The beauty of Masonic symbolism lies in its multilayered nature. A single symbol may hold a simple lesson for a new initiate and a profound philosophical truth for the seasoned Mason. Consider:

The Square teaches us to square our actions by the rule of virtue.
The Compasses remind us to draw a moral boundary around our desires and conduct.
The Plumb encourages uprightness in all our dealings.
The Ashlars represent our inner transformation—from the rough stone of ignorance to the perfected stone of wisdom.

These are not just abstract ideas. They offer practical guidance for navigating daily life with integrity and purpose.

Albert Pike, in Morals and Dogma, wrote:

“Symbols are the language of the mysteries. By symbols, men have ever sought to communicate to each other those thoughts which transcend the limitations of language.”

Symbols bypass the conscious mind and speak to the subconscious. They are meditative tools—anchors for introspection. Each time a Mason revisits the symbolism of the Craft, he finds something new, because he is new.

The Ancient and the Eternal

Critics may suggest that the language of our rituals and the images of our symbols are outdated or irrelevant to the modern world. But in truth, Freemasonry's greatest strength is that it is not of this moment.

Rather, Freemasonry is timeless. The truths it teaches—the importance of brotherhood, morality, discipline, faith, humility, and charity—do not belong to the past. They belong to the human condition itself.

Our rituals connect us to a moral tradition that spans generations. Each candidate that knocks on the door of a lodge is reenacting the same drama that countless others have. In this way, each Mason is both actor and inheritor of an eternal story—a story that calls him not just to learn, but to live.

As W.L. Wilmshurst states in The Meaning of Masonry:

“The Craft is not a mere antiquarian survival, a relic of bygone customs and medieval superstitions. It is, in essence, a spiritual institution, a repository of profound philosophical truth.”

And that truth is desperately needed in a world often starved of meaning.

Unity in Diversity: Masonry Across Jurisdictions

One of the most remarkable features of Freemasonry is its global scope. From the bustling metropolises of North America to the temples of Europe, Masons gather under common principles and practices.

Despite variations in jurisdictional governance, ritual phrasing, or degree structure, the core elements remain the same:

The use of working tools as moral symbols
The progression through degrees
The emphasis on brotherly love, relief, and truth
The presence of the Volume of Sacred Law
The square and compasses as universal emblems of the Craft

This balance of unity and diversity is a testament to Freemasonry’s resilience. While jurisdictions may celebrate regional customs or embrace different ritualistic nuances (such as the Emulation Rite in England or the Preston-Webb style in North America), the essence of the Craft transcends local detail.

Masonry doesn’t impose uniformity—it cultivates harmony. Like a mosaic made of unique stones, each lodge adds its color and character to the whole. And yet, when a Mason visits a lodge in another jurisdiction, he is not a stranger—he is welcomed as a Brother.

The Role of the Individual Mason

Modern Freemasonry is often criticized for declining membership or waning interest among younger generations. But perhaps this criticism misses the mark. Freemasonry has never been about mass appeal. It is not a social club, nor a service organization in the conventional sense. It is a path—a deeply personal and spiritual path—toward becoming a better man.

The relevance of ritual and symbolism lies in how the individual Mason engages with them. The rituals provide the framework; the symbols offer the tools. But the work belongs to each of us.

It is up to each Brother to:

Learn the ritual—not merely recite it, but embody it
Contemplate the symbols—not simply admire them, but apply them
Live Masonry—not only in lodge, but in daily life

As operative Masons once labored to construct enduring monuments, so too must we labor in the speculative sense—to build character, virtue, and community.

A Call to Re-engagement

If you have been away from lodge for a while, or if you feel disconnected from the Craft, let this be your invitation to return—not just physically, but philosophically. Revisit your obligation. Reflect on the symbolism of the working tools. Meditate on the journey you’ve already undertaken.

Consider adopting a personal practice of symbolic reflection. Choose one Masonic symbol each month and explore it deeply. Write about it. Talk with your brethren about it. Apply it to your relationships, your profession, your challenges.

Freemasonry doesn’t promise answers—but it provides the framework for asking better questions. And in a world obsessed with quick fixes, that is a revolutionary thing.

Paver Program

The Valley of Columbus is establishing a paver garden in front of the Scottish Rite Center. It will start at the bottom of the steps on both sides of the front porch and extend to the end of each side of the building. It will be similar to the pavers at the Masonic Children's Home in Macon. This is a great opportunity to support the Valley of Columbus Building Fund by purchasing a paver, and to honor those people or organizations that have a special meaning to you (to include yourself!). Complete the order form in this issues of The Ashlar or open in a new window HERE.

Vol. 4, No. 3 - March 2025