All Things Masonic: 2025/06

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Lessons in Candlelight

I’m a Traveling Mason at heart. There’s something truly special about visiting different Masonic Lodges, near and far, and experiencing the Brotherhood in its fullest. The great lodge meals, renewing old friendships, and making new friends, sharing their rich traditions, they all make each visit meaningful.

I have a deep appreciation for the Lodge buildings themselves, each one carrying their own history and character. I love seeing how a Lodge was constructed, how it’s laid out, and the thoughtful details in its decorations and memorabilia. Every Lodge has a story to tell, and I enjoy taking it all in.

My journey as a Traveling Mason began during my time serving in the Grand Lodge and as Grand Master of Minnesota. Those years gave me the opportunity to visit numerous Lodges, each one leaving a lasting impression.

So, when I heard that Forest Lake Lodge #34 was hosting a Master Mason degree by candlelight—with a fried chicken dinner, no less—I didn’t hesitate to send in my RSVP. Not only does Forest Lake Lodge have a fine reputation for its degree work, but the combination of candlelight and fellowship promised to make for an unforgettable evening. I knew I was in for something truly special.

I had visited this Lodge many years ago and had the privilege of assisting in raising a new Brother, so I was eager to see how the lodge had changed. As I stepped into the lodge room, I was immediately drawn to the glow of candlelight, setting the stage for the degree ahead.

On the North wall, I noticed a series of nine beautifully handcrafted Masonic symbols. I quickly recognized them as the symbols displayed on a trestle board for the Master Mason degree. They were created by Worshipful Brother Dick Anderson of Forest Lake Lodge.

At first, they appeared to be simply decorative, but during the third lecture, they transformed into a powerful visual teaching tool. As Shannon, the lecturer, explained their deeper meanings, both he and the candidate gazed upon them, bringing the lessons to life in a profound way.

Our Masonic Trestle boards, or also known as Tracing Boards, have evolved significantly over the ages. For those of you that are unfamiliar Ill try to provide a short history.

Trestle boards originally were used by operative stonemasons to outline construction plans. They became in use by Speculative Masons to hold the symbolic blueprints for a Mason’s personal and spiritual development. In speculative Freemasonry, they represent the divine plan and moral law, guiding members in their journey. While some jurisdictions use "tracing board" and "trestle board" interchangeably, they have distinct historical and symbolic meanings.

In the 18th century, lodges often met in private rooms above taverns, where symbolic designs were drawn using chalk or charcoal directly onto the floor or a table. These drawings were temporary, erased after each meeting to maintain secrecy. Over time, removable floor cloths or known as the Masters Carpet were introduced, allowing lodges to just roll them up after use and reuse the symbolic designs without redrawing them each time

By the 19th century, beautifully painted tracing boards had become a staple in Masonic lodges. These boards, often framed and proudly displayed, played an important role in teaching Masonic degrees. Some were designed like roller shades, easily pulled down for use and neatly retracted when not needed—a practical and elegant way to share knowledge.

The early 20^th century Masonic Lodges used a Magic Lantern (an early light projector) with hand painted glass slides of Masonic symbols that were projected onto a screen or wall. To help members understand Masonic teaching and meanings. Sometimes creating sound effects such thunder and lightning to add a dramatic effect.

Today, tracing boards and trestle boards remain essential tools in Masonic education, with modern versions incorporating digital formats such as Power Point and artistic reinterpretations. Their evolution reflects the fraternity’s adaptability while preserving its rich traditions.

Occasionally, you’ll find a lodge that’s home to an incredible craftsman, like Dick Anderson, who generously gave his time and talent, transforming raw wood into exquisite masterpieces.

Though Worshipful Brother Dick passed away in 2019 and is no longer with us on this earth, his legacy continues to live on through his extraordinary craftsmanship. Each piece he created tells a story, guiding those who seek to understand the profound meanings of the Third Degree. Through his artistry, Worshipful Dick brought symbols to life, transforming wood into lessons that resonate far beyond their physical form.

His dedication to the craft was never just about creating beautiful works of art; it was about passing down knowledge, inspiring reflection, and helping brethren grasp the deeper truths of Masonry. His work remains a testament to his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to his fellow Masons.

While his hands may no longer create, the impact of his work endures—touching the hearts and minds of those who learn from it. His legacy will forever be a guiding light, ensuring that his lessons and artistry continue to enrich the Masonic journey for generations to come.