Architecture is one of the first occupations in which man employed himself. The science commenced with miserable huts; the next step was to erect altars on which to offer sacrifices to the gods; regular dwellings followed next in rotation, after which, in rapid succession, came palaces for princes, bridges over the most rapid streams to facilitate communication; pyramids and cathedrals, proudly pointing to the heavens.
Thus we have inherited the title of Mason from one of the most ancient and most honourable occupations of mankind. The working tools of an operative Mason have become our symbols, because we can find no better or more expressive ones. No occupation is so widely extended; and so closely connected with others, as that of a Mason; and the various paths by which mankind strive to gain an entrance into the imperishable temple are innumerable.
Related page: Orders in Architecture
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This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
