The Five Orders Lodge Website

W.M. and Brethren all for the daily advancement in Masonic knowledge I would like
to discuss:

•    the history of our Lodge,
•    the reason for its name,
•    the symbolic meaning behind it,
•    and I would like to urge our Entered Apprentices to pay particular attention to this lecture as it will benefit them going through their second degree.

Firstly, how did the Five Orders Lodge no. 3696 get its beginning?

In May of 1913, the Lodge was born out of a chance meeting of Brethern in Bishopsgate. In a preliminary interview with the Grand Secretary, Sir Edward Letchworth, the brethren explained that the name chosen was in reference to the “Five Noble Orders of Architecture” stated in the 2nd degree and they were warmly commended on their choice.

As masons we are directed to study the symbolism mainly of the Five Orders of Architecture, but more especially the three original ones, the Ionic, Doric and Corinthian, they being representative of the three pillars on which a Mason's Lodge is supported, wisdom, strength and beauty.

These three pillars are represented on our Grand Lodge certificates. The other two orders are the Tuscan and Composite. All five pillars are shown on the Five Order Lodge banner.

Operative Masons were required to know something of each of these Five Nobel Orders from the practical point of view.

The Doric is the first and simplest of the three Greek Orders. It was favoured by the Greeks and they used it almost exclusively in Temple buildings. It is said that the Doric pillar exhibits the proportions of the body of a man.

The Ionic Order takes its name from Ionia, the Greek name for those parts of Asia Minor or modern-day Turkey.  It is suggested that whereas the Doric pillar was modelled on the form of a man, the Ionic pillar was fashioned on the proportions of the female figure.

The Corinthian Order takes its name from the city of Corinth in Greece. Being less used by the Greeks than the previous orders mentioned, it was fully developed by the Romans. The richness and exuberance of its decoration appealed to Romans.

The Tuscan Order was the simplest of the Classical Orders and was rarely used in later Roman architecture.

Finally the Composite, a Roman invention is a combination of the Corinthian and the Ionic orders.

So how do we apply these Orders as masons? In particular, the original three that we discussed?

The Ionic pillar, symbolical of Wisdom, is allotted to the Master who must possess that Wisdom necessary to rule and govern the Lodge efficiently and employ and instruct the Brethren in Freemasonry.

The Doric pillar, symbolical of Strength, is allotted to the Senior Warden, who, in ancient times, was responsible for the actual operations of the workmen according to the plan of the Master. The Senior Warden must possess Strength to enable him to perform the important duties allotted to him. Strength, without Wisdom, could be dangerous therefore he is directed at his investiture to act in conjunction with the Master.

The Corinthian pillar, symbolical of Beauty, is allotted to the Junior Warden. He is in charge when the sun is at its meridian, when life giving properties and brightness are at their highest point. At this time of the day work ceases for a period and peace prevails.

Every brother must ensure that Beauty adorns the inward man.

Brethren in conclusion let us continue to apply these qualities of wisdom, strength and beauty during our Masonic meetings and in a daily lives.

W.M., Brethren that is the conclusion of our Daily Advancement in Masonic knowledge.

References:

History of Five Orders Lodge - "Five Orders Lodge no.3696". by W.Bro. Roy A. Wells PJGD
http://www.fiveorderslodge.co.uk/fiveorderslodgebyroywells.html

The Five Noble Orders of Architecture. by: Perce J. George
http://www.masonicworld.com/education/files/artsep01/5ordersofarch.htm

The Five Orders of Classical Architecture. by Julian Small
 http://sites.scran.ac.uk/ada/documents/general/orders/classical_orders.htm

Delivered by Bro Roland H.