Journal of Geomancy vol. 3 no. 3, April 1979
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There is an enormous amount of iconography in Liverpool Cathedral: from creation to contemporary Liverpool figures and Doomsday.
Doorway: PRUDENCE AND FORTITUDE : 2 of the cardinal virtues in Masonry (left) Prudence – to direct a brother (right) Fortitude – to support a brother.
Stone shields: (The flower symbolism does not seem necessarily Masonic throughout).
CHISEL: to prepare the stone for the hands of the more expert craftsman.
GAVEL: implement of the Master and his warden: emblem of power, used to preserve order in the lodge.
ACACIA: sprig of Acacia – high place in Masonic symbolism = legend of the 3rd degree – fellow Crafts used it to distinguish the unsightly grave of the master. Symbol of immortality (initiation?) associated with mourning.
PURSE: the almoner’s sign.
ROSE: flower associated with Harpocrates – god of silence. Ceiling of early lodges sometimes painted with a rose = “under the rose” = a secret.
SKERRIT: a working tool of the 3rd degree. The straight and undeviating line that leads to immortality is laid with it. Used to mark out ground for the foundation of a structure.
PLUMB: teaches rectitude, uprightness, proper conduct of life. Lesson: to walk uprightly before God and Man.
BOOK: Grand Master’s Book. Book of the Law.
ASHLAR: a stone with right angles. Rough: symbolizes natural man. “Unless we be quickened and made living stone, fit for a spiritual building, we can never make up a Temple for God to dwell in”.
ROPE: Cable tow – halter of initiate? By which candidate was led ‘in a state of bondage’ = submission to the will of Master and Lodge. Bondage a state of ignorance – cast off.
CANDLES: the Great Lights set at side of Master and two wardens. Hear/see/ be silent (Tace). Symbolism of light.
STAR AND CIRCLE: Great Arch symbol. Symbol of Universe.
LEVEL AND SQUARE: “On the square” = honest. All men must apply to their lives to keep within the bounds of honour and virtue = “I will strive to live with love and care, upon the level, by the square”. Symbol of morality.
SOLOMON: a Kingly figure standing under an arch. Built and dedicated the Temple to God’s service. This window faces east.
HIRAM, KING OF TYRE: Supported Solomon with men and materials. Made league of peace.
HIRAM, TEMPLE ARCHITECT: Hiram Abiff = his curious and masterly workmanship beautified and adorned the Temple. His real name is unknown.
HIGH PRIEST: at temple dedication (nearest choir).
1) The architect, Giles Gilbert Scott, was a Roman Catholic.
2) A few decades ago, Liverpool Dean, Chapter and Bishop caused an almighty row in the Anglican Communion by inviting prominent Unitarian preachers to speak in the Cathedral. This was defended at the time by the Dean as a wish on the part of the Church in Liverpool to open its doors to the city and all its Christian sects.