As we are in the representation of the Temple, we should also be in the presence of the two great pillars.

Once they always stood at the west, behind the Senior Warden.

In Bristol and at two halls in York and in several West Yorkshire Temples, they still retain that position.

Nowadays, they are relegated to the Wardens pedestals, are called columns and are surmounted by celestial and terrestrial globes.

The columns belong to the portico of King Solomon’s Temple, as seen on the First Tracing Board.

The columns that support the candles, once stood in the middle of the room – around the altar, as they still do in the next major stage of Masonry beyond the Third Degree.

Candles have their own significance as symbols of spiritual light or illumination.

Freddy Berdach SLGR PPSGW (Middlesex)

W. Bro Fred Berdach PPrSGW, SLGR is a Member of Temple of Athene Lodge, No. 9541 consecrated in 1994 to study and research Freemasonry & its historical connections, provide a forum for masonic debate & discussion & to stimulate Masonic interest and education

For more information about the Lodge see: https://archive.pglm.org.uk/resources/temple-of-athene/