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| Roy Otterholt - Worshipful Master |
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Twenty or so years ago I made my living as a framing carpenter building homes in the Tucson area. I was not a Mason at the time, however since becoming one, I often think back to those days and the operative use of builder's tools.
Although I can't recall any discussions about Euclid of Alexandria, his 47th proposition was regularly employed, as well as other methods of testing and proving geometrical elements. The proper use of these helped to produce a structure that was not only sound, but pleasing to the eye as well.
One man I worked with once said that you should always take time to scrutinize your work and ask yourself if it appears square, level and plumb. If it does not, the uncorrected flaw will be obvious even to an untrained observer. One untrue component during construction can have a large impact on the buildings final appearance. I find an interesting similarity between this and the speculative working tools of our craft; how we use them in the refinement of ourselves, their representation in the Lodge and the construction of our fraternity.
I periodically like to step back and view the work to see what improvements should be made to my own essential qualities. Finding the inevitable shortcoming certainly causes a degree of disappointment, but this is soon dissolved by the knowledge that I do have the ability to improve my character. I need only to be willing to apply the tools and practices that are already in my possession.
Perfection is not obtainable, but each positive modification ensures the result will be complimentary to my brethren and pleasing to the casual observer. As with a conventional structure, what we build in Masonry can be compromised if any of its parts are not square, level and plumb.
Whether in an operative or speculative fashion, a man is truly privileged when he is taught the use of tools, and all benefit when he masters their proposed intention.
Roy Otterholt - Worshipful Master
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