…presented at Scotland Lodge No. #193, October 06, 2003.

The Masonic Letter “G”

Brethren-my theme for this year concerns the ‘cornerstones’ of the craft. One of the definitions of a cornerstone is ‘something of basic importance’. Therefore, each one of us is a cornerstone, of our lodge, of our district and the fraternity itself. There are also many cornerstones, which may be prominent individuals, material items, or symbols on which one which our craft has been built.

This evening, I would like to discuss one of the most recognizable, but least understood symbols of our order, the Masonic letter ‘G’. Few of us are aware of all that it implies, much less how old this symbol is. It is difficult to say with certainty when this symbol was introduced into Masonic circles, but it has come to be known by our members as having a dual-purpose- that of representing God and Geometry.
As far as the letter ‘G’ representing Geometry, and its connection to Masonry, there is no doubt. Indeed, we are informed in our ritual that Masonry and Geometry were originally synonymous terms, and documents dating as far back as 1410 confirm this.

However, it is the use of the letter ‘G’ as representing a Divine Presence in our lodges that some interesting observations can be made. Whoever introduced this symbol into Masonry put a tremendous amount of thought into it and demonstrates a keen sense of symbolism and language, as we will see.
Even the shape and location of this letter has some Masonic significance. As we know, the brethren of the lodge are grouped around it, as it radiates form the center of the room, just as the G.A.O.T.U. is thought to be at the center of our existence. The shape of the letter is circular or spiral, alluding to a certain winding staircase, mentioned in our ritual intended to bring us closer to the Divine Being.

In the Greek alphabet, the shape of the letter ‘G’ is a close portrayal of a Mason’s square. The Hebrew language, one of the oldest on Earth, is unique in that, the letters of the alphabet are assigned names, to aid in memory, most of which represent natural objects. In Hebrew, ‘G’ signifies camel, which was the main method of travel of journeying. To draw a parallel Masons speak of themselves as traveling East, in search of light.

In addition, deep research into the origins of the word ‘GOD’, show that in Hebrew, the word for beauty is ‘Gomer’, from which is derived the letter ‘G’. The Hebrew word for Strength is ‘Oz’, from which the ‘O’ is obtained and finally, the word for Wisdom is ‘Dabar’, whence is derived the letter ‘D’. It is ionic that the first letters of the Hebrew words for ‘beauty’, ‘strength’, and ‘wisdom’ spell a word a Divine Presence, and when rearranged, displays the significant Masonic words, Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty.

In closing brethren, there is still considerable speculation regarding this symbol of Masonry, and we may never know the true intent of the brethren who adopted it for use. As Masons, we all made a commitment to advance ourselves in knowledge, and to work while it is yet day. But, the work of Freemasonry cannot be done by those who do not live their Masonry. And, you cannot live your Masonry if you do not know it.
Therefore I charge each of you to do your own research into the symbols and history of our craft, so that you may know and enjoy Masonry to its fullest sense.

Sources;
The Masonic Letter G-author unknown, the Grand Lodge Library Hamilton
The Letter G-by Bro. Mark Dwor, Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon website.