Page 7 - Ashlar October - December 2024

N A L G R
I O
G E AND LODGE
The Ashlar
Covid-19 R Vol. XIX Issue III
Bulletin-I
DUM SPIRO SPERO
The Slogan Upon the Banner of Lodge Reginald Spence No 109
Contributed by W Bro Viren Joshi
(as given by W Bro Nishant Bafna and Compiled by late RWBro Atul Modi)
Rough and the Smooth Ashlars. On the
square pavements are two columns of
Corinthian design, Boaz and Jachin. These
columns are adorned at the top by spherical
balls on which are delineated the terrestrial
and celestial maps pointing out “Masonry
Universal”. On the pillars are inscribed names
of the founder members of the lodge. The
motto is surmounted a lion wearing a crown
which is the symbol of the British Empire as
the lodge was consecrated in English
Constitution.
Most masonic Lodges have their Lodge motto
inscribed legibly on their banners which
stands for the sentiments, passion and the
dedication of the consecrating brethren and
their vision for Freemasonry in future.
A Symbol of Perseverance and Hope The
Latin maxim “Dum Spiro Spero,” interpreted
as “Whilst I breathe, I hope,” conveys a
The Lodge Banner sentiment of enduring optimism and steadfast
perseverance. Proudly displayed upon the
Banners have been long associated with banner of Lodge Reginald Spence, this
methods and means of attracting attention. venerable phrase serves as an inspiring
Masonic banners fall under the category of beacon to its members, reminding them that,
‘Civil banners’ to distinguish them from so long as life endures, so too does the
banners of other organisations and possibility of hope and noble achievement.
associations. The banner of a lodge is a This axiom, whilst seemingly simple in its
source of identity. Each lodge has its own expression, carries with it a weight of
special banner depicting its origin, motto and significance rooted in both antiquity and
often the date of consecration. philosophy, particularly as it pertains to the
Lodge Reginald Spence No. 109 has its own honoured tradition of Freemasonry. The
distinctive and unique banner. The motto is Historical Origins of “Dum Spiro Spero”
‘DUM - SPIRO – SPERO’ which when The origins of “Dum Spiro Spero” are
translated, means ‘While I Breathe, I Hope’ traceable to the classical age, where it found
Unity, Love and Harmony are the 3 Masonic frequent expression within the works of
principles by which the Lodge functions and Roman writers. Its enduring use has been
these are also found on the banner. It also ascribed to the celebrated orator Cicero,
depicts the Celestial Canopy with the Sun at among others, as an expression of the
its meridian, the All Seeing Eye and the Moon unconquerable human spirit. The Romans,
surrounded by Seven Stars indicating that wise as they were in the art of life, understood
seven freemasons are required to make a that even amidst the gravest of trials, hope
lodge perfect. On the Square Pavement rest was the one element that could not be
the Working Tools of a master mason and the extinguished, so long as breath remained

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