Comments on: The Letter “G”

By: Norman McEvoy

Norman McEvoy — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:48:11 +0000

My thoughts immediately take me to the closing statement from the Tracing Board lecture in the Fellowcraft Degree. I quote
“When our ancient Brethren were in the middle chamber of the Temple their attention was peculiarly drawn to certain Hebrew characters which are here depicted by the Letter “G”. denoting GOD, the Grand Geometrician of the Universe., to whom we must all submit and whom we ought humbly to adore”
In this presentation I see a clear acknowledgement of the both the Hebrew & Geometric heritage, however, to me, the beauty of Freemasonry is the fact that each of us has the PERSONAL opportunity to look at all symbolism and take from it whatever we see to be relevant in our journey from the Rough to the Smooth Ashlar. Enjoy the trip!!!!!!!!
Thank you for the opportunity to share.

By: Bob Stabb

Bob Stabb — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:41 +0000

I would also like to through another possibility into the mix and that the G is a possible transformation from the 3rd letter in the Greek Alphabet into our current letter G. The capitol representation of the 3rd letter in the Greek alphabet is easily perceived as a Masonic square, two straight lines, one shorter than the other joined at a 90 degree angle. That 3rd letter of the Greek Alphabet is Gamma. When we switch the square to be read as a Greek letter Gamma and then change the letter from the Greek alphabet and use the english Letter for the first Letter in Gamma we of course get G. I truly have no idea if this is right wrong or otherwise but I do believe that it is a possibility of the origin of the letter in our craft.
As Mr. Richard’s stated above “In viewing the letter “G” in the middle, it should remind
us of our journey to the Middle Chamber of King Solomons Temple, where
we find the letter “G” suspended in the east and reminding us to strive
for perfection.” Could it not have been a “square” that was suspended in the east reminding us of our perferction and over the years, that square being regarded as the letter Gamma in greek and then literlay translated to the letter G?
I find it an interesting concept and as a Mason it tends to make the most sense to me.

By: Robert A. Ijirani

Robert A. Ijirani — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:26:04 +0000

I’m with George Edwards., it’s how we understand in our Lodge..,

By: Dennis Richards

Dennis Richards — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:39:35 +0000

Greetings:
I understand that it is the first letter in the word
used to represent “Perfect Mason”. (Past Masters will understand).
We are constantly reminded to live by the Square and Compasses.
In viewing the letter “G” in the middle, it should remind
us of our journey to the Middle Chamber of King Solomons Temple, where
we find the letter “G” suspended in the east and reminding us to strive
for perfection.

By: Dylan Littlewood

Dylan Littlewood — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:40:11 +0000

Another aspect of meaning for the letter G can be found by looking to Pythagoras (“Number is all”) as referenced in the EA Tracing Board lecture…

In the English alphabet ‘G’ is the seventh letter.

In the Hebrew alphabet ‘G’ (Gimmel) is the third letter.

So in the one symbol we have both the Trinity that features in so many religions as well as the structure of the craft itself (i.e. 3 degrees !) and the so-called ‘Perfect Number’ 7 representing completion, perfection etc…

If we look at it that way this one symbol represents both the manifestation of the creator in the trinity, and the creation itself…

By: George Edwards

George Edwards — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:38:12 +0000

It is my feeling that the letter “G” firstly stands for Geometry, then stands for Deity. For those who don’t desire to express their Supreme Being in any written manner, let Geometry be its meaning!