Page 9 - Ashlar October - December 2024

N A L G R
I O
G E AND LODGE
The Ashlar R Vol. XIX Issue III
within the body. Thus, the phrase came to confidence. It suggests that even when the
signify not merely the act of breathing, but the path is obscure and difficulties seem
enduring spark of hope that sustains the soul insurmountable, so long as breath remains
through all manner of adversity. within, so too does the capacity to hope, to
As time advanced, the maxim was adopted by strive, and to triumph. Moreover, in the
many noble family and institutions throughout context of Freemasonry, this maxim speaks
Europe, appearing upon coats of arms and not only to personal perseverance, but to the
banners as a testament to their enduring fraternal duty to offer hope and solace to
fortitude. In heraldry, it came to embody the others. Charity, a virtue central to the Masonic
ideals of perseverance, courage, and the creed, finds its truest expression in this act of
unyielding nature of hope even when uplifting others, especially those weighed
confronted with the most daunting down by misfortune. Thus, to live by the motto
challenges. of “Dum Spiro Spero” is not merely to sustain
The Meaning of “Dum Spiro Spero” within one’s own hope, but to kindle the flame of
Freemasonry For Lodge Reginald Spence, a hope in the hearts of others. A Motto for Our
Masonic lodge of renown, the inscription of Time though centuries have passed since the
“Dum Spiro Spero” upon its banner is no mere adoption of this phrase, its relevance endures
ornamentation, but a declaration of the undiminished. In these modern times, fraught
principles that bind its brethren together. as they are with uncertainty and change, the
Freemasonry, long distinguished by its message of “Dum Spiro Spero” offers a
devotion to self-improvement, moral virtue, timeless reminder that, no matter the trials
and the advancement of society through the that beset us, hope is the one constant that
bonds of fraternity and charity, finds in this sustains us. The brethren of Lodge Reginald
motto a perfect reflection of its core ideals. It Spence, faithful to the traditions of their
signifies that, as long as breath remains, the forebears, continue to find strength in this
pursuit of higher purposes and the elevation ancient truth, knowing that through
of character are ever possible. Masonic perseverance and mutual support, they may
teachings oft centre upon the allegorical face any difficulty with fortitude and optimism.
journey of life, wherein each man becomes The banner of Lodge Reginald Spence,
the architect of his own destiny. bearing the august motto of “Dum Spiro
Within this context, “Dum Spiro Spero” offers Spero,” speaks not only to the lodge’s
a message of hope that, no matter the esteemed history but to its enduring mission.
obstacles one may encounter, there exists It serves as a testament to the unshakeable
always the prospect of success and virtue, conviction that, so long as life persists, there
provided one perseveres with courage and exists within each of us the capacity for hope,
fidelity. It urges each Mason to continue growth, and accomplishment. As a rallying cry
striving, not merely for his own betterment but for the members of the lodge, it embodies the
for the good of all mankind, even in the face of principles of perseverance, hope, and charity
tribulation and uncertainty. Hope in the Midst that lie at the heart of the Masonic
of Adversity The banner of Lodge Reginald brotherhood. And so, whilst we breathe, we
Spence, adorned with this stirring motto, also shall ever hope—for ourselves, for our
serves as a rallying point for the brethren, brethren, and for the betterment of all
inspiring unity and shared purpose. In the mankind.
communal life of a lodge, where the bonds of
friendship and mutual support are of
paramount importance, “Dum Spiro Spero”
becomes a declaration that, through hope
and fraternity, any challenge can be met with

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