"The Broken Column"

Symbolic Statue

The broken column carefully laid on the third step of the base completes the symbolic legend of the Third Degree in Freemasonry.  

The sculpture consists of a weeping virgin, holding in one hand a sprig of acacia and in the other an urn; before her is a broken column, on which rests a copy of the Book of Constitutions, while Father Time behind her is attempting to disentangle the ringlets of her hair.

The broken column denotes the untimely death of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff; the beautiful virgin weeping, the temple unfinished; the book open before her, that his virtues lie on perpetual record; the sprig of acacia in her right hand, the timely discovery of his body; the urn in her left, that his ashes were then safely deposited to perpetuate the remembrance of so distinguished a character; Time unfolding the ringlets of her hair, that time, patience, and perseverance accomplish all things.

Pictured above is an original statue created by MARBLECast® Products, Inc. depicting Jeremy Cross' "The Broken Column" monument.   It teaches Freemasons in the lecture of the Third Degree the symbolic expression of the idea that veneration should always be paid to the memory of departed worth.  The great moral lessons inculcated by this legend are many and very instructive, teaching us, that we should live virtuous and upright lives, ever walking in the paths of truth and justice, even though our lives be endangered thereby.

In its symbolic representations, it answers every argument in our faith, and insures safety, eternal and never ending, and is in strong contrast with the development of those passions which debase and ruin all who indulge in them.

We are further reminded that though these frail bodies must die and return to dust, we may indulge the hope that through the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, our disembodied spirits shall be raised and be carried to realms of bliss, there to remain in God's paradise forever.

[ Trepanier 83 History ] [ Contact ] [ About Trepanier 83 ] [ District No. 10 ] [ Masonry in the News ] [ Masonic History ] [ Past Masters ] [ Resources ] [ FAQ ] [ Location ] [ Links ] [ The Real Secret ] [ The Craft ] [ Who Are Masons? ] [ To a Mason's Family ] [ Mysteries and Myths ] [ Masonic Magazines ] [ Awards ]

Send mail to WebMaster@Trepanier83.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 02/26/08