The Trowel

Posted May 26, 1997

Written by Michael N. Salmore

The tools of a true Master Mason-
A man who has proven his skill-
Are any or all that he chooses,
His task to correctly fulfill.
Foremost of these is the Trowel,
Which practical builders all class
As the tool for spreading of mortar
Uniting the house in one mass.

But we as Freemasons would use it
For purpose more noble and grand,
As craftsmen have faithfully taught us,
As Masonry's ritual's command,
To spread the cement of affection,
Devotion and brotherly love,
To bring peace, good will and contentment
On earth as in Heaven above.

Yea; this is the cement that unites us
In one sacred union of friends-
Brothers 'mongst whom no contention,
Nor discord nor diff'rence portends,
Except that most noble contention
By Masons Accepted and Free;
Or rather that fine emulation
Of who can best work and agree.

The modest description of the trowel may sometimes understate its importance to the fraternity. I desire to share with you this poem and a rendition of a favorite piece of early Masonic art which appears above (and on this site's home page.

Remember the trowel Brothers. The square and compasses perfect the individual, but the trowel unites the Brother with the Brotherhood.

This poem and an old piece of artwork in the Clipart book published by the Masonic Services Association provided the source and inspiration for the artwork used as the lead and as the watermark on the home page of this website. The artwork was scanned and modified with Coreldraw as a cover for the May, 1995 Trestleboard of Harmony Lodge No. 8. It was subsequently colorized with Micrografx Picture Publisher for this site in 1997. All artwork process and the annotation is by Wor. Warren V. LeMay.