Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Bro. Harris's New Tracing Boards. R. Spencer. London.
Bro . HARRIS ' New Tracing Boards . R . Spencer . London .
We are glad to make known to the Craft the probable appearance of these Illustrations of the Three Craft Degrees of Freemasonry . We apprehended , from the length of time that has elapsed since Bro . Harris put forth his prospectus of their publication , that he had given up the task . The delay has been caused by a long and painful illness . We have seen the boards for the First and Second Degrees , and can state that there is a very great improvement upon his former designs , which
have been before the masonic world for nearly thirty years , and which were sanctioned by our late illustrious Grand Master , the Duke of Sussex , to whom they were dedicated by special permission . In reference to the improvements , we shall first call the attention of our brethren , particularly Masters of Lodges , and Lodges of Instruction , to the size , being about 18 by 9 J inches , which has enabled Bro . Harris to give to each emblem such increase in size ( compared with bis
first editions ) as will enable Masters of Lodges , or any brother , describing them , to point out each figure , and point with ease , even when placed on the floor of a lodge , thus greatly increasing the advantages to lodges not in possession of the larger tracing boards . The three Great Pillars ( the one in the foreground being near 12 inches in height , with their bases , entablatures , & c , are drawn with architectural accuracy , are surmounted with the statues of the Kings
Solomon , Hiram , and Hiram the Builder , and are emblematical of Wisdom , Strength , and Beauty . The next introduction is that of the figures of Faith , Hope , and Charity , with angels ascending and descending in the Vision of Jacob ' s Ladder . The perfect ashler or cube stone is represented suspended by tackle within a triangle of poles , accompanied with a crab
engine or windlass , thus carrying out the general method used in laying the first or foundation-stones of buildings , & c . The rough ashler has the working tools of the entered apprentice ; the tressel-board on the pavement has the plan of the temple , & c . There is a great alteration in the second tracing-board , Bro . Harris having given greater consistency to it , dividing the same into two views—one , the approach to the middle chamber ; the other , to the temple itself . The former is a repetition of his original designmuch enriched in decoration & c
, , , but omitting the two great pillars at the entrance . In the second Illustration , he has given a grand view of the entrance-porch , with the two pillars , and the court of the temple , with its altar of incense , and the ten candlesticks , of seven branches each ; and terminating with the veil before the Holy of Holies , forming altogether a most beautiful and elaborate plate . The ornaments and details being clear and distinct , particularly as to the two spheres . The late has been drawn
p to a scale of measurement as given in Holy Writ ; and by the introduction of the figures in the foreground ( viz ., King Solomon antl the Queen of Sheba , and Hiram the builder , and priests in the Court ) , gives an idea of the magnitude of the building . On the whole , this illustration for the Second Degree is well calculated for description , and will greatly assist the Mason in the course of the lectures of this degree . The thirdor M . M . boardwe have not as yet seenbut
, , , understand it will be carried out with the same degree of improvement and perspicuity in detail as has been done in the two now finished . We hope , on the completion of the set , that Bro . Harris will meet with encouragement from the Craft at large for his painstaking and industry in the production of these very splendid designs of the Three Degrees of Craft Freemasonry .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Bro. Harris's New Tracing Boards. R. Spencer. London.
Bro . HARRIS ' New Tracing Boards . R . Spencer . London .
We are glad to make known to the Craft the probable appearance of these Illustrations of the Three Craft Degrees of Freemasonry . We apprehended , from the length of time that has elapsed since Bro . Harris put forth his prospectus of their publication , that he had given up the task . The delay has been caused by a long and painful illness . We have seen the boards for the First and Second Degrees , and can state that there is a very great improvement upon his former designs , which
have been before the masonic world for nearly thirty years , and which were sanctioned by our late illustrious Grand Master , the Duke of Sussex , to whom they were dedicated by special permission . In reference to the improvements , we shall first call the attention of our brethren , particularly Masters of Lodges , and Lodges of Instruction , to the size , being about 18 by 9 J inches , which has enabled Bro . Harris to give to each emblem such increase in size ( compared with bis
first editions ) as will enable Masters of Lodges , or any brother , describing them , to point out each figure , and point with ease , even when placed on the floor of a lodge , thus greatly increasing the advantages to lodges not in possession of the larger tracing boards . The three Great Pillars ( the one in the foreground being near 12 inches in height , with their bases , entablatures , & c , are drawn with architectural accuracy , are surmounted with the statues of the Kings
Solomon , Hiram , and Hiram the Builder , and are emblematical of Wisdom , Strength , and Beauty . The next introduction is that of the figures of Faith , Hope , and Charity , with angels ascending and descending in the Vision of Jacob ' s Ladder . The perfect ashler or cube stone is represented suspended by tackle within a triangle of poles , accompanied with a crab
engine or windlass , thus carrying out the general method used in laying the first or foundation-stones of buildings , & c . The rough ashler has the working tools of the entered apprentice ; the tressel-board on the pavement has the plan of the temple , & c . There is a great alteration in the second tracing-board , Bro . Harris having given greater consistency to it , dividing the same into two views—one , the approach to the middle chamber ; the other , to the temple itself . The former is a repetition of his original designmuch enriched in decoration & c
, , , but omitting the two great pillars at the entrance . In the second Illustration , he has given a grand view of the entrance-porch , with the two pillars , and the court of the temple , with its altar of incense , and the ten candlesticks , of seven branches each ; and terminating with the veil before the Holy of Holies , forming altogether a most beautiful and elaborate plate . The ornaments and details being clear and distinct , particularly as to the two spheres . The late has been drawn
p to a scale of measurement as given in Holy Writ ; and by the introduction of the figures in the foreground ( viz ., King Solomon antl the Queen of Sheba , and Hiram the builder , and priests in the Court ) , gives an idea of the magnitude of the building . On the whole , this illustration for the Second Degree is well calculated for description , and will greatly assist the Mason in the course of the lectures of this degree . The thirdor M . M . boardwe have not as yet seenbut
, , , understand it will be carried out with the same degree of improvement and perspicuity in detail as has been done in the two now finished . We hope , on the completion of the set , that Bro . Harris will meet with encouragement from the Craft at large for his painstaking and industry in the production of these very splendid designs of the Three Degrees of Craft Freemasonry .