The broken column
13 June 24
Masonic Widows By Yvonne McIntyre PhD
‘His work was not done, yet his column is broken; Mourn ye and weep, for ye cherished his worth; Let every tear-drop be sympathy’ a token - Lost to the Brotherhood, lost to the earth.’– Extract from the poem The Broken Column by Robert Morris
In Freemasonry, the broken column symbolises the untimely death of a mason. It was referred to in early Masonic manuscripts, but it wasn’t until 1819 that it appeared as an illustration in a document titled True Masonic Chart published by Jeremy Cross.
The illustration depicts a broken column on which rests an open book regarded as being a record of the brother’s masonic works. Reading from the book is a weeping virgin holding a sprig of Acacia in her hand. Behind her stands Father Time counting the ringlets in her hair.
The broken column has also been adopted as the Masonic Widows’ lapel pin to symbolise Freemasonry’s continued concern and honour for the widow of a brother mason. The pin consists of a broken column encircled by a gold-plated, small diameter laurel wreath.
I write this article as a masonic widow who has worn the broken column pin with pride since the death of my husband whilst on masonic duties in 2003. You learn to live with the loss but you never really get over it.
At one time, the pin was presented to the widow of a mason together with a certificate which stated:
‘This pin was created as an emblem to symbolise our continued concern and honour for the widow of a brother mason, a brother whose name added lustre to the Craft as he laboured with us in the quarry. Now that his name has been entered upon the roll of celestial lodge, we cannot forget those things for which he loved so deeply, nor can we be unmindful of our duty to him. It is my distinct privilege to present this emblem to you that you may wear it with great pride. It is our desire that it be to you a reminder of your ties with us; a relationship where you will find friends who will assist you in time of need, join with you in times of gladness and welcome you to a continued association with us as we continue our labours of friendship, brotherly love and truth.
‘You are not alone. When moments may cause you to doubt, look at this emblem, and be May assured that we are there, and we care.
‘The Masonic Widows’ Pin was created with hope that it would be worn by the widow of a mason on all appropriate occasions, especially when travelling so that she may be recognised, greeted and assisted when necessary, by masonic friends throughout the world. It is an emblem of honour and should be worn separately, not in conjunction with other jewellery.
‘she who wears this emblem finds that she is not alone. We are there and we care.’
The thoughts expressed in the masonic widow's pin certificate are wonderful, but are they just that – ‘wonderful thoughts’?
I have no doubt that masons have a place in their heart for masonic widows and many actively ensure that they are being cared for; however, the vast majority of masonic widows will tell you that after their husband’s funeral, contact with his former lodge ceased. It is a sad indictment of the principles of Freemasonry for those widows.
Freemasonry acknowledges the importance of women by ensuring that a prospective candidate for Freemasonry has the support of his wife or partner before endorsing his application for membership. After all, it would be virtually impossible for a mason to enjoy his lodge or progress through the various offices of his lodge and beyond his lodge, without that continued support. The acknowledgement continues throughout a mason’s active service. We have all heard the praises of women being extolled by way of masonic toasts on ladies’ nights. Worshipful Masters and senior masons constantly speak of the support received from their wife or partner during their term in office.
Despite the words, there appears to be little emphasis placed on ensuring that women are retained as members of the masonic family following the death of their masonic husband or partner.
Whilst the support of masonic widows will always be voluntary, there is a need for a more formal approach to ensure they are not forgotten. Perhaps a section titled Masonic Widows in the Handbook of Masonic Information and Procedures would emphasise this important need. The additional section could include suggestions on how regions, districts, lodges and individual masons can put into practice the thoughts so beautifully expressed in the words of the Widows’ Pin Certificate.
There is an attempt to engage with Masonic widows through the Masonicare Caring Officer whose handbook requires the brother to maintain contact with the widow of a former member and ‘…attempt to ensure that any of the widow’s needs not satisfied by the family, may be met by the lodge.’ The handbook goes on to give practical advice of a non-financial nature and the approach to be taken in the event of a bereavement.
Whilst there is much that can be done by Freemasonry to more closely embrace its masonic widows, being part of a family is a two-way street. The key from a masonic widow’s point of view is involvement and there are many ways to maintain an interest in what has for most, been a lovely and important part of their life.
Most Masonic associations admit women as members and provide an opportunity for Masonic widows to maintain a relationship with the Masonic family. I am a member of the Freemasons’ Association (NSW & ACT) and served on its Committee of Management as President and Registrar for several years. The Association was formerly the Present and Past Grand Lodge Officers Association which was formed in 1908. The Association changed its name to the Freemasons’ Association in 2008 and amended its Constitution to allow women to become members.
The Mission Statement of the Freemasons’ Association (NSW & ACT) includes a requirement to ‘strengthen the bonds between members of the Craft, their families, other masonic orders and masonic widows’ association.’ A further requirement is to ‘encourage and assist regions, districts and lodges in the formation of masonic widows’ associations and ensure that masonic widows generally remain as important members of the masonic family.’
The association went some way to achieving its mission through invitations to members of Masonic Widows associations to attend luncheons and Christmas parties; through the purchase of first aid kits for each of the Masonic Widows associations and by arranging for Masonic widows registered with the association to receive a free copy of the Freemason magazine.
Involvement was my saviour. It included membership of a Masonic Order for Women, a Masonic Widows Association, the Freemasons’ Association, writing articles for the Freemason magazine, and organising fundraising events. The opportunities available to me may not be available to those living in rural areas; however, there will always be opportunities. Women are born managers and are renowned innovators, especially those in rural areas.
If you would like to discuss ways in which you might maintain your interest in the masonic family, write to me, Yvonne McIntyre, c/o Freemason Magazine, United Grand Lodge of NSW & the ACT, PO Box A259, Sydney South NSW 1235.
References:
- Administrative Regulations – United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT –
- Masonicare Caring Officer’s Handbook
- Handbook of Masonic Information and Procedures
- Mission Statement and Objectives – Freemasons’ Association (NSW & ACT)
- Dictionary of Freemasonry
- Short Talk Bulletin, Vol 34, February 1956 – Phoenix Masons
- Masonic Poems – MW Bro Neil Neddermeyer