THE NUMBER “3”

In the J. W. Lecture, we are told that our usages and customs have ever corresponded with those of the Egyptian philosophers who concealed their particular tenets and principles under certain hieroglyphical figures and expressed their notions of government by signs and symbols. The Pythagorean system was established from a similar plan, a theory that numbers were the basis of all human activities and possessed magical powers. We have nothing in modern times similar to it, except perhaps the number 13 superstition. The only correspondence between Freemasonry and the Pythagorean system is the extensive use we make of numbers, but only in a symbolic sense. We are taught that Masonry is a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Numbers figure extensively among those symbols, especially the number 3 that signifies completeness.

It is the symbol of the three dimensions, length, width and depth: the 3 primary colours, red, blue and yellow. To the Christian, it is the symbol of God, and the Trinity. To the Jew, its geometrical equivalent, the equilateral triangle, is the symbol of Jehovah. In nearly all of the Oriental religions, it is the symbol of the Deity. As Freemasons, the number 3 should ever be a reminder of that great Landmark to which I have referred. It is extensively used in our rites and ceremonies and I shall direct your attention to its frequent use in the First Degree.

Before you were admitted to the lodge room you were interviewed by a committee of 3, who asked 3 questions, each one relating to that great landmark, your belief in God. You were lead to the door of the lodge room when 3 raps were given, which were answered by 3 from the inside. The I. G. addressed the J. D. 3 times. As you were admitted the J. D. spoke 3 times. While you were in the kneeling position the WM spoke 3 times. In the perambulation the J. W. addressed you 3 times, and the S. W. also addressed you 3 times. The W. M. then asked you 3 questions. You were conducted to the altar by 3 steps. Each measured in inches was a multiple of 3. In your obligation there were 3 alliterating descriptions of the Lodge (Worthy, Worshipful and Warranted.) In assuring you of the regularity of the meetings 3 references were made (held, assembled and p. d.). In the oath of secrecy there are 3 parts (always h., ever c. and never r.). The secrecy relates to 3 periods of communication: past, present and future (have been, shall now, or may hereafter). Only under one of 3 conditions may those secrets be communicated outside a Lodge (due t., strict e., or sure i.). And only in the body of a Lodge if it possess 3 essential characteristics (just, p. and r.). All the points you promised to observe without 3 elements (evasion, e., or m. r.). The penalty is of a 3-fold character.

After the obligation and before the light the W. M. spoke 3 times. Your attention was directed to the 3 Great Lights, then the 3 Lesser Lights. You were warned of the 3 great dangers: 3 true and proper signs were explained to you by whom you were to know a … (Ss., G. or T. and a W.) After taking a S. P., etc. you were told that there were 3 S’s. (H., P., Salutation). There were 3 reasons given for the trial in the N.E. corner. 3 working tools were presented to you. A moral is deduced from these, viz. : that knowledge subjected to 3 influences (grounded on accuracy, aided by labour and promoted by perseverance) will produce 3 results (overcome all difficulties, raise ignorance from despair and establish happiness in the paths of science).

In the J. W.’s lecture your attention was directed to the 3 dimensions of a L. The standing of a L. on holy ground brings to our mind 3 great offerings (Obedience of Abraham to the will of God, pious p. and e. of K. D., and thanksgivings, burnt sacrifices, and costly offerings of K. S.). Our L’s are situated due E. and W. for 3 reasons (sun, learning, and tabernacle of M. and temple of S.). They are supported by 3 pillars (W., S. and B.). These are emblems of the 3 divine attributes and further represent 3 famous characters in Freemasonry (S. K. I., H. K. T., and H. A.). There are 3 principal rounds in the ladder (F., H., and C.). The interior of a L is composed of 3 sets of articles (O., F., and J.). There are 3 kinds of ornaments (M. P., I. S., and S.). There are 3 items of furniture (V. S. L., S., and C.) There are 3 movable jewels (S., L., and P. R.) and 3 immovable jewels (T. B., R. A., and P. A.) There are 3 distinguishing characteristics of every F. and A.… (V., H., and M.) and there are 3 fundamental principles (B. L., R., and T.)

We thus see that at every turn in our ceremony we are confronted with the number 3, as in the L. no matter where we sit, we are confronted with the letter G. The frequent recurrence of this number 3 is to remind us that His all-seeing eye beholds us and that we should always discharge our duty towards Him with fervency and zeal.

Reference: “Manual for Masonic Instructors and Students”, M.W. Bro. W. S. Herrington”,1955.

By W. Bro. Bill Graham
of the Curriculum Group
The Committee on Masonic Education
March 2008