This article is taken from the July 2019 Issue of the Fraternal Review titled, “The Masonic Trowel”.
Just as operative masons use special tools for particular situations, so speculative Masons must learn to use specialized trowels for spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection.
OPERATIVE VS. SPECULATIVE TOOLS
Operative craftsmen use corner trowels, curbing trowels, guttering trowels, brick trowels, pointing trowels —each one shaped and fashioned for a particular operation. Speculative Master Masons must learn to use the specialized trowels of appreciation, admiration, compliment, and congratulation to spread the mortar of mutual esteem that harmonious community life requires.
SPECULATIVE MASTERS
Speculative Master Masons must learn to use the specialized trowels of forbearance and conciliation to spread the cement of mutual respect and confidence without which democracy cannot function. Speculative Master Masons must learn to use the specialized trowel of reverence for truth and for the dignity of every individual, no matter how disagreeable either may be, to infuse into public life the essential ingredients of personal freedom.
“Speculative Master Masons must learn to use the specialized trowels of kindness and gentleness, of compassion and service to all men.”
Speculative Master Masons must learn to use the specialized trowels of kindness and gentleness, of compassion and service to all men, if they would spread the cement of genuine love and understanding.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?
This must be the great objective of Masonic education. If builders are to learn how to use their tools properly, especially the trowel, they must simultaneously utilize both operative and speculative tools. This must be the fundamental program of Freemasonry, if it is to remain true to the central purpose of its ancient charges and landmarks.
Just as an operative workman learns to use each trowel for a particular need or situation, so every Master Mason needs to learn the uses of the spiritual trowels that symbolize the power of brotherly love and friendship.
[Conrad Hahn, “The Trowel,” in The Short Talk Bulletins III, Vol. 38, No. 10, October 1960, S. Brent Morris, Ed., (Burtonsville, MD: Masonic Service Association of North America), 425.]