~ Jacob’s Ladder ~

By Jay Adam Pearson
Senior Grand Warden
August 2007

A few years ago I was in a van with several brothers traveling from Spartanburg South Carolina to Columbia South Carolina for a masonic meeting. Now as is the usual custom for those of us from the upstate when we travel to Columbia or Charleston ( the Holy City ) we stop at exit 74 at “Bill and Fran’s” to meet, greet and eat. It was while we were enjoying the beautiful view as we began to enter Columbia that we just paused for an hour to soak in the scenery. You see we were in the world renowned Columbia traffic jam at malfunction junction. It was then R.W. Brother Mike Smith said “brethren just think we could all be home cutting grass and marking off items from our honey do list if we were not here together”. R.W. Brother Mike then continued and said “however, if it were not for those that have gone on before accepting and including us, I would not have had the honor of knowing each of you and counting you all as some of my closest friends”. I have thought many times about what R.W. Brother Mike said and I agree we each have been accepted into the greatest fraternity in the world. I am the Department Head of the Building Construction Department at Greenville Technical College, and there is little chance our paths would ever have crossed had it not been for our beloved fraternity. It is through masonry that I have made life long friends. One friend I have traveled with all around these United States. The past few years he has battled several heath issues and these have slowed down his attendance at lodge, but his commitment to the tenants of Freemasonry have never been deterred. Worshipful Brother D. Walt Elder, Past Grand Pursuivant is truly one of my closest friends whom I continually thank God for causing our paths to cross. Worshipful Brother Walter is a member of Hejaz Past Masters Unit and while he was President of our unit we went through the ritual (red book) and studied each word. It was in our travels when we began to talk about the symbols and how they relate to our faith. Worshipful Brother Walt said, “you do not have to look far to see God”. Together in our travels we saw God in the majesty of a sunset and the glory of a starry decked heaven. Take time to look at page (17) of the Ahiman Rezon. It is just a picture of Jacob’s ladder,… or is that all it is? Look in the upper left hand side and hidden in the clouds and you will see a Sprig of Acacia. Then dropping down you will see a Setting Maul. Across from the setting maul you will see a Spade. Located horizontally at the third rung of the ladder is a Coffin. Located at the foot of the coffin to the left you can trace the faint resemblance of an Ark resting on the cleft of the rocks. In the Heavens you can trace 10 stars with one hidden at the bottom right and to the head of the coffin for a total of 11.

Jacob saw a ladder ascending from earth to Heaven with Angels ascending and descending. The three principal rounds of which are Faith, Hope and Charity. God was at the top of the ladder and he promised Jacob he would give him the land on which he slept. Many people try to find their way to God. Do you remember the Tower of Babel? The people in their vain glory thought they could build a way to Heaven. Every attempt that starts on earth will always end in failure. Only God can provide a way to Heaven. Do you remember the 20th Landmark of Freemasonry?

From the tapestry located on page 17 we can derive one final lesson, in your search for light always look to our Great Light for it is there you will find God. You do not have to look far to see God. Seek and yea shall find.

Words of the Month:
Inveterate: Is derived from the past participial of the Latin word “inveterari” which means to grow old, to endure. Firmly established by long persistence. i.e. the inveterate tendency to overlook the obvious. In the stillness of this moment, I challenge you to pause and listen. Do you hear who is coming? It is death; he is coming for you and me. The wisest man knows not when death shall receive the mandate and summons us before the Lord our God. Death is an inveterate soldier of the light.

Etymology: The study of word origins.

Purpose: The etymology of this word is derived from the Middle English purpos, from Anglo-French purposer, and from the Latin word proponere. Something set up as an object or ends to be attained. An intention, a subject under discussion, or an action in the course of execution.

Quote for the Month: “The gentleman does not needlessly and unnecessarily remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him. He can not only forgive; he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which imparts sufficient strength to let the past be put the past”. Robert E. Lee

Thought for the Month: Know where you come from (your family), know where you are (your relationship with God), and know where you are going (in his service). One final thought there are three things you should do everyday of your life. Laugh, think, and cry. You should laugh everyday and give a smile to all you meet. You should spend time in thought, read a book and try to learn something new. You should have your emotions moved to tears, tears of happiness and joy. Now that would be a good day. Then as you lay your head on your pillow at night God will smile and say “well done my good and faithful servant”.