Grand Lodge 1717

( Size: 38" x 22" Oils )

Freemasonry and its known role within society. The painting suggests a clandestine, esoteric brotherhood, a society sworn to uphold its beliefs and inner structure with, and to, the highest integrity.

The followers believe in their God, and call him the "Great Architect of the Universe". They are renowned for their tireless charitable work and help in the community.

Subjects in the painting:

The Bull

At rest represents the "Grand Master" leader, number one, the patriarch.

The Oar

Life's toil and strife, journeying, hoping to acquire the infinite knowledge.

The advent of the "Grand Lodge" of 1717 was formed from four old preceding lodges, under their first Grand Master, a Mr. Anthony Sayer. He was a member of No.3 of the four lodges, of which he was warden in 1723 and remained a member until 1730. He died in January, 1742. He was Tyler of the "Old Kings Arms Lodge" No.28.

One significant date is the year 298 A.D. the Martyrdom of Five Masons, another is 300 A.D. the four Christian Soldiers, all are commemorated under the name "Quatuor Coronati". The soldiers refusal to obey a command to offer incense resulted in their deaths by "Scourging" them to death (whipping)...

These Martyrs were the foundation stone to the society and its future.

The Dividers, Scroll, and Square

Symbolic to the work tools and regalia of the Masons at work, and for ceremonial rites and initiations.

The Face

Symbolic, though the society is secret, it still retains a place at the forefront within our society.

The Woman

Is shown standing erect her back to a post, her own arm affixing her to it, this relates to man's dominance over all aspects within society. The rise of the emancipation of women at work the home and at play is challenging man's dominance.

The Mask

Lying at the feet of the women depicts the covertness, stealth, the front and secrecy, intelligently concealing their anonymity.

H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent. (b,1942) appointed Grand Master of Mark Master Masons 1982.

E.W.Powell, 13.7.98. Painting completed 1992.

Complexity comment:
Secrecy is a form of domination. When those with knowledge refuse to share it, then this becomes prejudicial to the rest, it reduces their quality of life. When a club uses its power to maintain the status quo then this again is against the spirit of Christianity and equality.
Restricting education is a prime method of supression throughout the world, "what the people don't know can't hurt them" should really be rephrased as "what the people don't know can't be used to overthrow us" - what is secret cannot be questioned...
Our opportunities depend on the knowledge we have and our ability to use it.

Free education is a crucial enabler for the growth of our humanity.