In Freemasonry, symbols are not merely decorative—they are tools for moral instruction, designed to guide our Brothers toward a life of virtue and self-improvement. Our fraternity equips us with ancient symbols and timeless teachings to build not only ourselves but also a better world around us.

Central to these lessons is the study and application of the Masonic symbols, which are introduced to us through the rituals and degrees of Freemasonry. As the renowned Masonic author Brother Albert Mackey wrote in The Symbolism of Freemasonry:

... there is another method of Masonic instruction, and that is by symbols. No science is more ancient than that of symbolism. At one time, nearly all the learning of the world was conveyed in symbols. And although modern philosophy now deals only in abstract propositions, Freemasonry still cleaves to the ancient method, and has preserved it in its primitive importance as a means of communicating knowledge.

Among the Masonic emblems we use for moral and ethical refinement are two Masonic working tools: the Plumb and the Trowel. Found in the Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees, they call upon us to be honorable men and spread the Brotherly Love and affection that bind our fraternity – and all persons – together. This article, drawing on the wisdom of Masonic scholars, explores the symbolic meanings of these emblems and their role in Masonic ritual.

Building a Better Man: The Role of the Working Tools

Freemasonry’s path of self-improvement is divided into three ceremonial stages known as “degrees.” These degrees—Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason—are rooted in the medieval journeyman system used to train craftsmen.

In these medieval operative Masonic guilds, stonemasons relied on essential tools to do their jobs. As their skills and knowledge as craftsmen advanced, so did the tools they used. Apprentices first learned to shape raw stone, gradually mastering their craft until they could design and construct magnificent structures.

As Freemasonry evolved from an operative craft to a speculative fraternity, these tools were transformed into symbols of moral and spiritual development. Each working tool, from the gavel to the square and compasses, became a metaphor for the virtues and principles necessary to shape one’s character and uphold the values of the fraternity.

Throughout the first three degrees of Freemasonry, Brothers encounter these tools as they progress through lessons of self-discipline, integrity, and personal growth. By the time a man becomes a Master Mason, he has been equipped not only with the skills to build his spiritual temple but also with the wisdom to live per the Supreme Architect’s design.

Among the working tools, the Plumb and the Trowel stand out for their profound lessons, together representing the enduring values that strengthen both the individual and the fraternity.

The Plumb

A plumb is a vital tool used to ensure vertical alignment in construction. It consists of a string and weighted bob, allowing stonemasons to verify that walls are perfectly upright. Its precision is essential for creating strong, stable structures.

Brother Mackey captures its importance in Freemasonry:

“The plumb was originated as an essential tool used by operative masons in the construction of buildings. This instrument, typically fashioned out of wood or metal with a string and weight attached, was crucial in ensuring that structures were erected in a perpendicular fashion. As Speculative Freemasonry emerged, this emblem of a builder’s workmanship transformed into a powerful symbolic instrument to teach moral lessons. The plumb thus became one of the working tools of a Fellow Craft and a vital component of Masonic ceremonies.”

The plumb first appears in the second degree, teaching the Fellow Craft to conduct himself in a way that helps maintain social order and moral integrity. For generations, Monitors of the degrees throughout the various appendant bodies have been published containing excerpts from Masonic lectures that explain the metaphorical meaning of Masonic symbols. One that was published in 1861 explains the significance of the plumb :

“The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations before God and man, squaring our actions by the Square of our virtue, and remembering that we are traveling upon the Level of time, to that undiscovered country, from whose bourn [i.e. destination] no traveler returns.”

To put it simply, the plumb reminds Freemasons to adhere to the strict moral standards required to build a life of virtue. It serves as a guiding principle, encouraging Brothers to remain steadfast in their commitments, regardless of challenges or circumstances. Brother Mackey sums up the enduring relevance of this symbol:

“The plumb masonic symbolism is a powerful reminder of the high moral standards that Freemasons must strive to embody in their daily lives. By understanding and internalizing the symbol’s meaning, a Fellow Craft and other members of the fraternity are better equipped to navigate the complexities of life with steadfastness, resilience, and unwavering moral conviction. In doing so, they will not only improve themselves but also create a stronger, more harmonious society.”

The Trowel

“If the stone represents an individual man, and if the Temple represents the Fraternity as a whole, it is evident that the Trowel is the symbol of that which has power to bind men together.” - Symbolical Masonry, by H.L. Haywood

The trowel, used to spread and smooth mortar, ensures that stones are securely joined to create a unified structure. Its function in construction is emblematic of unity, harmony, and the strength that comes from binding individual parts into a cohesive whole. In Freemasonry, the trowel is introduced in the third degree, symbolizing a Master Mason’s role in spreading Brotherly Love and kindness. As H.L. Haywood notes, “The Master Mason's task is to set the finished stone in its place, and bind it there, for which purpose the trowel is his most necessary tool.”

For many men, the trowel is a moving symbol that emphasizes that Freemasons must strengthen bonds of unity and compassion and transcend differences to bring Brothers together as one sacred band. It serves as a reminder of the fraternity's commitment to peace and goodwill among all people. In Brother Mackey’s own words:

“This implement is considered the appropriate Working Tool of a Master Mason, because, in operative Masonry, while the Apprentice is engaged in preparing the rude materials, which require only the gauge and gavel to give them their proper shape, the Fellow Craft places them in their proper position by means of the plumb, level, and square; but the Master Mason alone, having examined their correctness and proved them true and trusty, secures them permanently in their place by spreading, with the Trowel, the cement that irrevocably binds them together.”

A Binding Force

The Plumb and the Trowel together exemplify the essence of Freemasonry: living upright lives and fostering unity among individuals and communities. These tools remind us that our commitment to integrity and Brotherly Love must extend beyond the lodge, shaping how we interact with the world.

As H.L. Haywood reflects:

“What power can unite the scattered peoples and nations of the earth, especially in a time like this when they are more than ever sundered by passion and hatred? Surely, if the spirit and influence of Brotherhood can call together two million men out of all classes and localities of America and can bind them into the solidarity of a great united Order, that same power can accomplish similar results if applied to the world at large.”

This passage challenges us to consider the broader potential of Masonic principles. Within the fraternity, men from all backgrounds unite under shared values, demonstrating that harmony and solidarity are possible when guided by integrity, compassion, and a common purpose. Haywood envisions a world where the lessons of Freemasonry are not confined to the lodge but serve as a blueprint for global understanding and cooperation.

As Freemasons, we are builders. Not only of our own spiritual temples but also of a better, more harmonious society. By embodying the lessons of the Plumb and Trowel, we demonstrate that the spirit of Brotherhood has the power to transcend divisions, bridge differences, and inspire unity across the world.