Symbols of Authority:
The Gavel, Mace, and Fasces By James J. Connors, PRP
When you picture the use of parliamentary procedure in the average town council meeting, state legislature, or U.S. Congress, what do you see? I would suggest that most people envision a presiding officer standing at a lectern holding a gavel. The gavel is probably the most widely recognized symbol of authority in meetings. However, it is by no means the only one. Three items have been associated with legislative authority throughout history: the gavel, the mace, and the fasces. But what is the history of these items and how are they used today? Gavel Webster’s dictionary defines gavel as “the mallet of the presiding officer...” Gavels have long been used by auctioneers, judges, elected officials, or presiding officers of organizations. The gavel is a symbol of the prerogatives of the presiding officer.1
Gavels in their present form and purpose may have their origins in the Masonic lodges in 18th century England.2 The first gavels resembled a mason’s setting maul with a long handle and bulbous end with a flat bottom used to set stones in mortar. However, the “true Masonic gavel” does not look like a regular gavel commonly used by judges or meetings chairs. The “common” or “true Masonic gavel” has a pointed gable shape on one end and a flat surface on the other end.3 The gavel is the symbol of power and authority. It is the duty of the officer wielding the gavel to use it wisely and with discretion that the affairs of the chapter may be conducted with dignity, decorum, and justice. The wise use of the gavel insures harmonious relationships among the members.4 The first gavel used in the U.S. Senate was quite different in shape. In The Mace and the Gavel: Symbols of
1 Lorraine Weatherly, “Protocol…It Makes a Difference,” National Parliamentarian 55, no. 3 (1994): 16-17. 2 George D. Glazer and Helen Glazer, “Gavel-to-Gavel: A Brief History of the Gavel in Decorative Arts,” (2007). http://georgeglazer.com/decarts/objects/gavels/aboutgavels.html 3 The Grand Lodge of Texas, “The Common Gavel.” http://themasonictrowel.com/Articles/ degrees/degree_1st_files/the_common_gavel_gltx.htm 4 Billye M. Peeples, “The Gavel,” http://thgephylaxis.org/phyllis/gavel.php 4
National Parliamentarian • Winter 2021
