Jack Dona, 32°
415 E. Tacoma Street, Apt. 301A, Sierra Vista, Arizona 85635
scene24@mindspring.com
A definition from operative masonry carries Masonic significance.
In the reference resource Masonry Defined, compiled by E. R. Johnston from the writings of Dr. Albert G. Mackey, we find the definition of the Perfect Ashlar as "a stone of a true square, which can only be tried by the square and compasses. This represents the mind of a man at the close of life, after a well-regulated career of piety and virtue, which can only be tried by the square of God's Word, and the compasses of an approving conscience."
All Masons must always strive to achieve the Perfect Ashlar. This is accomplished by self-examination and by the gentle correction of our Brethren in the Craft who are charged to whisper good counsel in our ear. In operative masonry, we find another ashlar, the vermiculated ashlar. The Encyclopedia Britannica defines it as "the carving or finishing of building stones with irregular grooves intended to resemble worm tracks, full of worms, or appearing as if formed by the motion of worms. Vermiculation is one form of surface rustication, the intention of which is to create a contrast between the rusticated work, ordinarily confined to the lowest story of a building, and the finely dressed perfect ashlar above."
A vermiculated ashlar, like the symbol of the rough ashlar in Freemasonry, reminds us that we must be constantly alert to the "worms" of life that may tempt us along paths that can lead to vermiculated work in our speculatively erected building. This inner temple of personal integrity and moral character, which all of us in the Fraternity are building, must be monitored in its upkeep and continuous improvement. If not cared for, it will weaken and become worm-eaten. The trials, tribulations, and temptations of life may lead us to build using speculative vermiculated stones—falsehood, deception, apathy, and the like. This will lead to a flawed work that may, on cursory observation by others, appear as good work, just as vermiculated stone in operative masonry can look attractive. But these flaws will ultimately lead to the collapse of our Speculative Temple of Freemasonry. No Mason wants to stand before our Supreme Grand Master, the Grand Architect of the Universe, and have to answer why the building he has erected resembles worm-eaten ashlars. The question for each of us is: "If I had to stand to account for the building, the life, I have laid and erected, what would be the final assessment? Would it be perfect or vermiculated?"