Symbols

On the Seal of The Sovereign Grand Lodge is found a shield, party per pale and chevron. The first quarter is charged with a gavel upon an open book, to signify the authority of the Word of God, from which the Order derives its entire Wisdom. The second quarter is charged with a sheaf of arrows, the weapons of war against vice. The base is charged with a bee-hive, the emblem of associated industry. The whole signifies that "with the authority of wisdom the war against vice must be industrially carried on." The crest is a figure of Charity caring for two orphans, and standing upon a globe enveloped by a snake, emblematic of the great truth that "Charity covereth a world of sin." As supporters of the shield, Faith stands at the dexter side, holding a cornucopia (Horn-of-plenty) in one hand, and the other pointing heavenward, where the All-Seeing Eye appears in its glory; while Hope on the sinister side, resting upon her anchor of "truth in God," uplifts her eyes to the same celestial object. The motto of the Order, "Amicitia, Amor, et Veritas," (Latin for 'Friendship, Love, and Truth') is below the shield, while encircling the whole is enscribed the imperative instruction given every member of the Order; - "We command you to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan."

 

The three links symbolize the chain that binds members together and illustrates that a fraternity is strongest when joined together. The "F" in the first link represents "Friendship", the strongest bond of fraternity that teaches goodwill and harmony. The "L" represents "Love", the basis for all life's ambitions, service to others and family. The "T" represents "Truth", the standard by which we value people and the foundation of our society.

The official three links of the Order are specified as:
The links shall be 1 3/4 inches outside length and 1 3/8 inches inside length by 15/16 inches outside width and 9/16 inches inside width.
The central link shall be dominate, linking over the first and third links.
The horizontal center of the links shall be on a 4 1/2 inch radius with the vertical center of the outer (outside) two links centered 15 degrees from the center of the middle link.
The letters 'F', 'L' and 'T' to be inserted in the links.
The colors of the links shall be: first link - White; second link - Blue; third link - Scarlet.

 

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Last modified: 10/28/07