1903 Grand Masters Jewel from Colorado

The top front of this beautiful jewel is inscribed James R. Killian and on the back is a dedication that says: from M.W. Grand Lodge A.F & A.M. of Colorado - Grand Master From Sept. 1903 to Sept. 1904.  It is cast in 12 kt gold and is attached to a double purple ribbon. The front of medal case is inscribed Bohm Allen Jewelry Co. Arapahoe and 16th Sts. Denver, Colo.

The important symbolism on the front of this jewel is the point within a circle between the two parallel pillars and the Holy Bible at the top.  This is a symbol of great interest and importance, and brings us into close connection with the early symbolism of the solar orb and the universe, which was predominate in the ancient sun-worship.  The lectures of Freemasonry give what modern Monitors have made an exoteric explanation of the symbol, in telling us that the point represents an individual Brother, the circle the boundary line of his duty to God and man, and the two perpendicular parallel lines (in the above case the pillars), the Patron Saints of the Order--Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist.   But that this was not always its symbolic signification, we may collect from the true history of its connection with the phallus of the Ancient Mysteries.   The phallus was among the Egyptians the symbol of fecundity, expressed by the male generative principle.  It was communicated from the Rites of Osiris to the religious festivals of Greece.  Among the Asiatics the same emblem, under the name of lingam, was, in connection with the female principle, worshiped as the symbols of the Great Father and Mother, or producing causes of the human race, after their destruction by the deluge.   On this subject, Captain Wilford, (Asiatic Researches) remarks "that it was believed in India, that, at the general deluge, everything was involved in the common destruction except the male and female principles, or organs of generation, which were destined to produce a new race, and to repeople the earth when the waters had subsided from its surface.  The female principle, symbolized by the moon, assumed the form of a lunette or cresent; while the male principle, symbolized by the sun, assuming the form of the lingam, placed himself erect in the center of the lunette, like the mast of a ship.  The two principles, in this united form, floated on the surface of the waters during the period of their prevalence on the earth; and thus became the progenitors of a new race of men."  Here, then, was the first outline of the point within a circle, representing the principle of fecundity, and doubtless the symbol, connected with a different history, that, namely of Osiris, was transmitted by the Indian philosphers to Egypt, and to the other nations, who derived, as is elsewhere shown, all their rites from the East.

The "Sprig of Acacia" surrounding the Compasses, Quadrant and bursting Sun is another interesting and important symbol in Freemasonry.   It is from whose wood the sanctuary of the tabernacle and the holy ark had been constructed would ever be viewed as sacred than ordinary trees.  The early Freemasons, therefore, very naturally appropriated this hallowed plant to the equally sacred purpose of a symbol, which was to teach an important divine truth in all ages to come.  The acacia, in the mystic system of Freemasonry, is pre-eminently the symbol of the IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL -- that important doctrine which is the great design of the Institution to teach.  As the evanescent nature of the flower, which "cometh forth and is cut down," reminds us of the transitory nature of human life, so the perpetual renewal of the evergreen plant, which uninterruptedly presents the appearance of youth and vigor, is aptly compared to that spiritual life in which the soul, freed from the corruptible companionship of the body, shall enjoy an eternal spring and in immortal youth.   Hence, in the impressive funeral service of our Order, it is said that "this evergreen is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul.  By this we are reminded that we have an immortal part within us, which shall survive the grave, and which shall never, never, never die."  And in the closing sentences of the monitorial lecture of the Third Degree, the same sentiment is repeated, and we are told that by, "the evergreen and ever-living emblem of immortality, the acacia" the Freemason is strengthened "with confidence and composure to look forward to a blessed immortality."  Hence, we see the propriety of placing the sprig of acacia, as an emblem of immortality, among the symbols of that degree, all of whose ceremonies are intended to teach us the great truth that "the life of man, regulated by morality, faith, and justice, will be rewarded at its closing hour by the prospect of Eternal Bliss"

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