Corn, wine and oil

Consecration is defined as a solemn dedication to a special purpose or service.

In practice the words consecration and dedication are used interchangeably.

In masonic ritual, the elements of wine, oil, corn and salt are poured in a ceremony that dates back to ancient times. Corn, wine and oil are mentioned many times in the Old Testament and are understood to be the wages of builders of King Solomon’s temple. Wine stands for fertility and wisdom; oil represents liberty and prosperity; corn ripens prosperity into abundance while salt symbolises purity and hospitality.

But of more significance and importance to a mason is what a lodge represents. MW Bro Rev. Barrett, Past Grand Master, Tasmania, described it thus:

‘...when a new lodge is officially constituted it is not a building that is consecrated, but a body of men who are the foundation members of the lodge’.

The brethren should bear in mind that a lodge is a body of men banded together for the high purposes of Freemasonry. The lodge is, therefore, a living organism, a continuing group knit together into an entity by the granting of its charter, the ceremony of consecration, and the solemn declarations and affirmations of officers and brethren to live and act within the bounds of Freemasonry and to be loyal and true to its ideals and practices.

So when a lodge is consecrated, the ceremony binds its members to be conscious of the high purpose involved and to remember they are required to maintain the honour and dignity of their lodge.

Have charter, will travel!

Do you love Motorcycles?

Do you enjoy travelling?

Do you want to visit other lodges or tyle your own lodge all over NSW?

Then Lodge Highway 837 is for you! We hold meetings bimonthly in addition to regular social rides, including some weekend/ overnight trips. Masons that don’t ride are welcome too!

SEEWHAT’SON forournextmeeting!

By MW Bro Les Hicks, Grand Master