The Masonic Temple

The word Temple is derived from the Latin word Templum. The root of this word is Temp meaning “ to cut or scribe,” as in template. The ancients observed flights of birds and cut or scribed their direction on the ground with sticks. Ancient seers then used these markings to get their bearings and guide their travels.(1)

Masonic Temples similarly help their members “to get their bearings” So Temple does not mean a place of worship to Freemasons but rather a place to find direction for successful living. It is indeed an “Ancient Masonic usage,” which also alludes to the various levels of King Solomon’s Temple where masons met. This meaning is taught to all Masons who take the Scottish Rite Degrees.

In days gone by, all of our Masonic buildings were prominently labeled Temples. Political correctness has now caused them to become “ Centers, Buildings, or Lodges.” We, I suppose, don’t want the public to think that Freemasonry is a religion, so rather than explain the ancient Masonic meaning of Temple, someone simply changed it.

But that someone could not be a Freemason, as all Freemasons have sworn to conform to all ancient Masonic usages, so far as the same shall come to their knowledge! They have also admitted that it is not in the power of any man, or body of men, to make innovations in the body of Masonry.(2) So the desecration of our Temples appears to be the work of the same people who demoted The Holy Ghost to the holy spirit, and changed BC (before Christ) and AD (after death) to BCE (before the common era) and CE (common era).

Watch carefully brethren, the Holy Bible could soon disappear from our alters. It looks far too religious, and I’m sure the politically correct Temple desecrators certainly must have it squarely in their sights!

Do you remember Peter, Paul and Mary, who sang (sic)?

“Where have all the temples gone, long time passing?

Where have all the temples gone long time ago?

Where have all the temples gone, gone to centers every one

When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?”

May the Great Architect of the Universe lift up the light of His countenance upon you and give you peace.

Gunnar C. Carlson Jr.

Grand Chaplain

[1] Forms and Traditions of the Scottish Rite, C.Fred Kleinknect, p.124, ISBN 0-9708749-0-1

[2] Official Monitor and Ceremonies, Grand Lodge of NM, AF&AM, Fourteenth Edition  1995, p.190 and p.155