Entered Apprentice to the Rough Ashlar

Brother, let us contemplate the rough ashlar (also called rough hewn ashlar)–a crude stone carved from the earth upon which the Entered Apprentice (EA) would work to an imperfect cube, then to be made “perfect” by the Fellow Craft. This powerful masonic symbol represents the crude mind of man which, with stern contemplation and hard work may be made true for placement in that temple, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Justly, the work of the EA is not easy, nor is truing the rough form of the mind and passions of man. It reminds us that no matter how irregular and rough, with patience, the right tools, and skills we each may be made better. Within each there is the potential for perfection  carving away the vices, imperfections, and irregularities. Indeed, Michelango is quoted with the following:

Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.

And thus is each mason a work of perfection to strive for, a glimmer of hope for attainment of the goal.  With the help of patient brothers, mentors, upon which to square ourselves and the desire to be more, better, than we are now can we transform to that next state. The rough ashlar is not of great use as is, but when made perfect withstands the weight of the grand temple.

I challenge you, brother, on two measures: take the steps in the Craft to make your self true and ready for when this earthly task is complete and be a mentor, squaring the actions of a new Entered Apprentice.

• EA