The following presentation is resourced from –
‘A Reference Book For Freemasons’ – compiled by Frederick Smyth and published in 1998.
R.W. Bro. Robert South
BROKEN COLUMN: An emblem of mourning. For well-neigh a century it has been adopted by many lodges as a model for charity-boxes, a conceit for which masonic furnishers may perhaps be thanked. Alms-dishes and other means of collections are more likely to be supplied to the new lodges today. As has so often been the case with such introductions, the more fanciful masonic writers have produced symbolic explanations – often quite lengthy – for the broken column, a typical may perhaps be thanked. Alms-dishes and other means of collections are more likely to be supplied to the new lodges today. As has so often been the case with such introductions, the more fanciful masonic writers have produced symbolic explanations – often quite lengthy – for the broken column, a typical claim being that it was traditionally the design of the monument erected to the memory of Hiram Abif. This type of collecting-box, however (usually a fluted classical column), lacks the additional details often associated with funeral memorials of former days: a weeping virgin, an open book, an urn and even Father Time. It is difficult for us to associate all this with the principal architect of King Solomon’s Temple!