Architects Comments

The Masonic ritual deals largely with the work of the builders of King Solomon�s Temple. There is scarcely a sentence that does not contain significant building terms, methods, tools, and practices. The Architect attempted to use as much of significant matter was possible and, by arrangement or symbol, to incorporate it in our design. This involved the limitations imposed by modern materials, and what should or should not be used from a disclosure standpoint. One of the most difficult problems was to illustrate the work in drawings, that were made by non-Masonic draughts men, and later were used for purpose of construction by non-Masonic workmen. The plans, however, were required to be definite enough to illustrate the work when finished, and yet convey no Masonic secrets. Some things were abandoned entirely because there was no way to conceal their meaning; and others were left indefinite to be verbally directed when the work was in progress.

Some Temple builders lay considerable stress upon orientating the Temple so that the Masonic East of the Lodge room is also true east. This seems of less importance that some Masons think because it so often introduces complications and costs that are not justified. In our case, the principal or front elevation is on South Temple Street and thus is the North Elevation or dark side of the Temple. The ancient pattern Temple had no gates in the North Wall and our location forced us to place gates there. Because of this the most was made of the situation. Prior to being initiated, passed, and raised, the candidate wandered in darkness as to Masonic secrets, which is symbolized by North, and it is fitting that convenient doors would be provided inviting him to pass into the Temple to be enlightened in the Masonic ritual.

The descriptions of King Solomon�s Temple go into considerable detail concerning the measurements of the various parts and their relations to one another. And, because so much stress is placed upon this layout, it seemed fitting that our Temple follow the same plan, making this a symbolic basis, if suitable Masonic measure could be devised. The ancient measure, the cubit, was the length of a forearm or about 18 inches, obviously our measure must be in feet.

Being mindful of the importance of the numbers three, five, and seven in Masonry, it was determined to use these numbers as a basis; but since the number seven is considered the perfect number, it was used wherever possible and it is to be noted that seven is the number of members in much of the design.

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