{"id":70,"date":"2005-01-02T13:22:35","date_gmt":"2005-01-02T21:22:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/theeduca.mywhc.ca\/?p=70"},"modified":"2005-01-02T13:22:35","modified_gmt":"2005-01-02T21:22:35","slug":"ashlars-rough-smooth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ashlarcollege.ca\/ashlar-archived\/ashlars-rough-smooth\/","title":{"rendered":"Ashlars ; Rough & Smooth"},"content":{"rendered":"

ASHLARS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

.<\/em>\u201cThe Rough Ashlar<\/em><\/strong><\/span> is a stone, rough and unhewn as taken from the quarry, until by industry and ingenuity of the workman, it is modeled, wrought in due form, and rendered fit for the intended structure ; this represents man in his infant or primitive state, rough and unpolished as that stone, until by the kind care and attention of his<\/span> <\/em><\/p>\n

The Perfect Ashlar<\/em><\/strong> is a stone of true die or square, fit only to be tried by the Square and Compasses, This represents man in the decline of years, after a regular well spent life in acts of piety and virtue, which can no otherwise be tried and approved than by the Square of God\u2019s Word<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

And the Compasses of his own self convincing conscience\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

I believe we all have a very good idea of what a Rough Ashlar<\/strong> looks like and to what, in Masonic terms, it relates to, so I will consider the description given above to be adequate. The following is an article that I received some years ago and I feel to be truly relevant at this time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Ashlars<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

When a sculptor chooses a stone for his work, he looks for one, which has within it the innate beauty and perfection that he needs. He sees the finished product within the stone and removes that material which is not part of his final design.<\/p>\n

In Freemasonry, a potential candidate for admission brings himself and his desire to become a Mason to the attention of a Lodge. The Lodge, knowing that he is a rough ashlar<\/strong>, tries to make certain that this rough ashlar has no flaws or imperfections within it that could marr the making of a perfect ashlar<\/strong>. It is frequently said that masonry takes a good man and makes him better.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We think of it as taking rough ashlars and trying to make them perfect.<\/p>\n

Having recognized this objective, we must recognize that a mason is not an inanimate stone, which cannot grow; he is human, made of flesh and blood, who is striving not only to survive in his environment, but to make sense of and to enrich his existence.<\/p>\n

His very soul requires him to make adjustments in himself, and in his environment, to meet his needs for happiness. Each and every individual, in his own way, attempts to grow to his level of greatest potential.<\/p>\n

Abraham Maslow, a great educator & psychologist referred to this as \u201cself actualization\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

The individual, therefore has a tendency to correct any flaws and imperfections which come to the surface, if he becomes aware of them, and if they should in any way prevent him from reaching his goals. This process, according to Maslow, takes an individual his lifetime. Some stumble in their quest and some reach a plateau from which further growth seems impossible.<\/p>\n

Freemasonry possesses the necessary tools and conditions to stimulate a Brother to further intellectual and spiritual growth or to guide the wayward back onto his true path.<\/p>\n

One is, what one is, and at any particular point in time one cannot possibly be everything else. A good Lodge with sensitive, charitable, understanding, tolerant, humanistic and dedicated members makes a large and long-term investment if time and energy into aiding the personal development and individual potential of each and every member of the Lodge.<\/p>\n

Instead of being perplexed, annoyed or turned off, others can, and ought to, take all aspects of his character and use them to the benefit of everyone, including himself.. This process requires a great deal of effort, patience and perseverance as time and circumstance of one\u2019s interaction with his social and physical environment may demonstrate unexpected character traits.<\/p>\n

To those who have attended an Annual \u201cInstallation of Officers\u201d I bring to your attention the following excerpt from the \u201cCharge to the Wardens\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c suffice it to mention that what you have seen to be praiseworthy in others, it is expected you will carefully imitate, and what in them may have appeared defective, you will in yourselves amend\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Adapted from a paper written by George Jendyk. Pembina Lodge #126, Grand Lodge of Alberta.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE GOLDEN CHAIN OF FRIENDSHIP<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Friendship is a Golden Chain. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The links are friends so dear<\/p>\n

And like a rare and precious Jewel\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s treasured more each year.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s clasped together firmly\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 With love that\u2019s deep and true,<\/p>\n

And it\u2019s rich with happy memories\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 And fond recollections too<\/p>\n

Time can\u2019t destroy it\u2019s beauty\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 For, as long as memory lives<\/p>\n

Years can\u2019t erase the pleasure\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 That the joy of Friendship gives,<\/p>\n

For Friendship is a priceless gift\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 That can\u2019t be bought or sold.<\/p>\n

But to have an understanding friend\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Is worth far more than Gold<\/p>\n

And the Golden Chain of Friendship\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Is a strong and blessed tie<\/p>\n

Binding kindred hearts together\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As the years go passing by<\/p>\n

From Poems by Helen Steiner Rice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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