What is a “Rough Ashlar”?
Freemasonry heavily employs symbolism in its rituals as a way to weave deeper insights into our fraternity’s timeless lessons of personal growth, self-improvement, and service to others. These moral and ethical teachings encourage us to reflect on our lives and apply the instructions of the Craft in a meaningful way. In the very first degree, the Entered Apprentice encounters a very important symbol: the ashlar — a rough stone, freshly quarried, representing every Freemason’s potential.
Just as the stonemason shapes stone into perfection, we as Freemasons embark on a lifelong journey to refine our character and become better men. Throughout it all, the ashlar remains central to what is a transformative process for the men in the Craft.
The Meaning of Rough Ashlar
In its literal sense, an ashlar is a stone taken from a quarry and used in construction. Before it can be used, however, the rough ashlar must be chiseled, smoothed, and shaped by skilled hands. Only through this careful process does it become a perfect ashlar — fit to form part of a sturdy and enduring structure.
An example of Ashlar Masonry in Cuzco, Peru, courtesy of Martin St-Amant.
In Freemasonry, the rough ashlar represents the initiate — a man who enters our fraternity with imperfections, but with the potential to be shaped into something greater. Through education, self-reflection, and living by the fraternity’s values, we work to refine ourselves, chiseling away our rough edges to become better men.
The Role of Ashlar in Masonic Ritual
The use of ashlars in Freemasonry dates back centuries, with lodge inventories referencing their presence nearly four hundred years ago. Records from 1754 for Old Dundee Lodge in Wapping, London, mention the purchase of a “new” ashlar, suggesting they had been part of Masonic tradition for years before. While the exact moment they entered speculative Masonry remains unknown, today an ashlar can be found in every Masonic lodge. It serves as a reminder of our operative ancestors and represents the solid foundation upon which we build Masonry in our lives.
In our Masonic ritual, the rough ashlar symbolizes a man in his initial, unrefined state — before he begins his journey through the Craft. For a new initiate, the rough ashlar reflects our imperfections and the work he must do to shape himself into a better man. Just as a stonemason carves away the unnecessary layers to prepare the stone for construction, we as Freemasons must shed the habits and traits that hinder personal growth.
A Free Mason Composed of the Materials of his Lodge by J. Coles (1781) depicts ashlars and other Masonic symbols. Courtesy of SRMML
The Entered Apprentice Lecture explains this further:
“The Movable Jewels are the Rough Ashlar, the Perfect Ashlar, and the Trestle-board. The Rough Ashlar is a stone in its rude and natural state, as taken from the quarry; the Perfect Ashlar, one prepared by the workmen, to be adjusted by the working tools of a Fellow Craft; and the Trestle Board is for the master workman to draw his designs upon.
By the Rough Ashlar, we are reminded of our rude and imperfect state by nature; by the Perfect Ashlar, of that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive by the aid of a virtuous education, our own endeavors, and the blessing of Deity.”
This explanation beautifully illustrates our transformation process as we progress through the degrees. The rough ashlar represents our raw, imperfect state, while the perfect ashlar symbolizes the refined man we strive to become through virtuous education, diligent work, and divine guidance.
A vital lesson the ashlar teaches is that our progress should only be measured against ourselves and not others. Comparing our journey to that of a fellow Mason can lead to ego-driven traits that we strive to overcome. Each Mason’s journey is unique, and the true measure of success is found in the diligent effort we apply to refine our own character.
Perfecting Your Ashlar: The Masonic Journey
As Freemasons, the rough ashlar encourages us to embrace our imperfections and work diligently to smooth them. Each man’s journey is unique, and the ashlar teaches us that growth is a process. No two ashlars are identical, and comparing our progress to another’s is fruitless. What matters is the steady work of improving ourselves, carving away what is unnecessary to reveal the strength and beauty within.
A Master Mason apron depicts rough and smooth ashlars alongside other Masonic symbols. Courtesy of SRMML
The transformation from rough to perfect ashlar is a metaphor for the progress we make as we learn the lessons of Freemasonry and apply them in deed and thought. As we develop our knowledge, character, and virtue, we become more refined, ultimately embodying the perfect ashlar — a man who upholds the values of integrity, brotherly love, and service. When we gaze upon the ashlar in the lodge room, we see both what we have been and what we hope to become. But remember: the goal of a Freemason is not to be perfect, but to become useful and contributing members of society.
A Lifetime of Refinement and Brotherhood
The rough ashlar reminds us that self-improvement is a continuous process. We are always working on ourselves — always striving to be better men. Freemasonry provides the framework, but it is up to each Mason to put in the effort. It is also a reminder that we are not on this journey alone. Our Brothers, who are also shaping their own ashlars, stand with us, providing support, encouragement, and guidance.
Our fraternity is a network of men working together to improve themselves and their communities. Just as individual stones form part of a larger structure, so do individual Masons contribute to the strength of our brotherhood.
The rough ashlar is a powerful symbol of transformation within Freemasonry. It is a reminder that we are all works in progress, constantly refining our character and working toward becoming the best version of ourselves. As we continue to shape and smooth our ashlar, we build a solid foundation not just for our own lives but for the betterment of our communities and our fraternity.
We will close with some great insight from our friends at the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction:
“A Freemason becomes a perfect ashlar through hard work, education, and a diligent effort to live an upstanding life. Of course, being a Freemason is much more than simply being industrious. A Freemason is a man who is committed to bettering himself and his community, one who has vowed to help mentor his brethren to do the same. A Freemason is a man striving to be part of something greater than himself, is filled with compassion, and yearns to create a better future for generations to come.”
Did you enjoy this article? Check out our article The Meaning of the Letter “G” In Freemasonry for more education on Masonic symbolism!