During the pandemic, while we were locked down here in Texas, Valley-Hi Lodge No. 1407 in San Antonio conducted online education sessions. We held one session on Masonic Symbolism and included discussion about how to read symbols, what Tracing Boards are, and what Masonic Charts are. Out of that discussion sprang the idea that we create a Masonic Chart that tells the story of Valley-Hi Lodge. After about 18 months of work (admittedly on again, off again), I have completed that work and I am happy to present the Valley-Hi Masonic Lodge Masonic Chart.
I prepared two aids to reading the chart. The first is the "Story" or how to read the chart. This is a narrative "walk through" or "talk through" of the symbols and how & why they are laid out as they are. As in all masonic symbolism, the placement of symbols is important to understanding the story they portray.
The second aid is the Key to symbols, explaining their particular role or part in the Valley-Hi story.
I will add The Valley-Hi Masonic Lodge Masonic Chart to my "Library" here on the website as a single, downloadable file. It may take me a day or so to get it posted, so if it's not there when you first check, check again in a day or so.
Brethren, this was an interesting challenge and I learned a lot about masonic symbols and symbology, as well as masonic story telling using symbols. I heartily recommend this type of effort to any brother curious or interested in the masonic descriptive: "A beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols".
Please, continue your journey and in the spirit of improving yourself in masonry, dive into the study of the use of symbols to portray the lessons of the craft and, maybe, design your own chart that portrays YOUR story!
Travel on my brothers!
Bro. Bill Boyd, PM
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