The corner stone is the stone that lies at the corner of two walls, and forms the corner of the foundation of an edifice. In Masonic buildings it is now always placed in the northeast; but this rule was not always formally observed
The symbolism of the corner stone when duly laid with Masonic rites is full of significance, which refers to its form, to its situation, to its permanence, and to its consecration. As to form, it must be perfectly square on its surfaces, and its solid contents a cube. The square is a symbol of Morality, and the cube of Truth.
The situation at the corner of the north and east, the north representing darkness and the east representing light, presents the symbol of Masonic progress from darkness to light, and from ignorance to knowledge.
The Corner-stone is supposed to be of a more permanent and durable quality than any other part of the building, lasting beyond the decay and ruin of the building, and therefore reminding the Mason that when his earthly Tabernacle of his shall have passed away, he has within him a sure foundation of eternal life, a corner-stone of immortality emanating from the Divine Spirit, and which will survive the tomb, returning to his Creator and God, above the decaying dust of immortality and the grave.
The proper setting of the stone by the implements of Operative Masonry - the square, the level, and the plumb - reminds the Mason that his virtues must be tested by temptation and trial, by suffering and adversity, and he must be declared to be "well formed, true, trusty" by the Master Builder before he can become "a living stone for that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
In Masonic symbolism, it signifies a true Mason, and therefore it is the first character which the Apprentice is made to represent after his initiation has been completed. Job 38:6
Biblical References
Job 38:6
Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
~~ooOoo~~
This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
