A one-thirtieth scale model of the building, King Solomon’s Temple.
Fermor Hesketh lodge No 1350 recently hosted a lecture on “The building, King Solomon’s Temple” The lecture was delivered by W.Bro J .Smith and W.Bro J. Rogers of Cleveleys lodge of Mark master Masons No 1176. The lecture was first devised and presented on the 29th April, 1983 by W.Bro S. D. Bates, augmented by W.Bro W. S. Linkison as a “one off” presentation. To date it has been delivered 483 times and raised over £1,000.000 for charities.
“According to earliest records, forms of ritual have been practised by speculative Masons since the late 16th century using knowledge which was vastly inferior to that which was available today and in living conditions of which, we have really no comprehension.
What the early Masons had, was an unshakable belief in a Divine Being and a considerable familiarity with the contents of the Holy Bible. They took the most perfect object described in the Old Testament, King Solomon’s Temple, and used it as a basis for the projection of moral lessons by means of various ritualistic plays.
When in 1816, the Lodge of Reconciliation decided the form that Masonic Rituals should take place, it adopted what it considered to be the best parts of all these ritualistic plays and formulated what we know today as emulation ritual.
Sadly, with the passage of time these moral lessons have become less obvious.
During the course of the lecture, a one-thirtieth scale model of the Temple is constructed from details gathered from many sources. Its contents and their usage are described in both Biblical and Masonic terms and inaccuracies in the Masonic version are highlighted.
A possible explanation of the message that these moral lessons were intended to convey was then given, prior to the lecture being drawn to its dramatic conclusion”.
The Worshipful Master described the lecture as “an informative and educational presentation very well delivered”. All members and guest agreed unanimously.
The demonstration team with the Worshipful Master and Wardens. Left to right: Jimmy Rogers, Jeffery Smith, Michael Harvey (WM), Bill Hendry (JW) and Phil Christian (SW)
A one-thirtieth scale model of the building, King Solomon’s Temple.