Short answer: The majority of the USA Blue Lodges inherited the Preston-Webb style Ritual (6 WTs), rather than the Emulation style Ritual (9 WTs).Why don't we in America have the chisel as a working tool, as our English brethren do?
The Emulation ritual does not have a Trowel. While it does have reference to the spreading the "cement of brotherly love", the Trowel itself is absent. I think the best explanation is while Freemasonry might be universal, the specific vehicles (ritual) to deliver our values are not and developed locally according to taste and tradition - it is part of the richness of Freemasonry and once a MM, well worth the time to research to understand commonality and contrasts.Thanks Coach, but I just can't understand this. I need a better understanding of symbolic tools. It seems to me, I can beat my rough ashler with a gavel all day long, and it will be as rough as when I started. Can you direct me to further reading to help me understand this?
First off, it's a "Common Gavel". Common Gavels have gabled ends which are used to chip away at the stone, much like a chisel.Thanks Coach, but I just can't understand this. I need a better understanding of symbolic tools. It seems to me, I can beat my rough ashler with a gavel all day long, and it will be as rough as when I started. Can you direct me to further reading to help me understand this?
I think the Common Gavel is really a Kevel.First off, it's a "Common Gavel". Common Gavels have gabled ends which are used to chip away at the stone, much like a chisel.
Secondly, it's "symbolic"; indicating WORK must be done in the direction of perfecting your ashlar.
And just like all things "symbolic", you can whack at something all day, but if you're not directing yourself properly, you ain't gonna be divesting yourself of anything and you'll just waste your time no matter how good you get at measuring it with your 24 IG.
Sure, you get introduced to the chisel in the York Rite, but if you haven't perfected your ashlar by the time you get to your second degree, you're just a glorified member with a title and not someone who has actually applied himself as directed to by the first degree ritual.
Why don't we in America have the chisel as a working tool, as our English brethren do?
and... the compass (third degree level WT)You're missing more than just the Chisel. In the Emulation Ritual we also have the Pencil and the Skerrit.
The Compasses are a WT in several American Rituals are they not ?and... the compass (third degree level WT)
The Compasses are a WT in several American Rituals are they not ?
I think a chisel is a reasonable request when working in the stone cutting business....