King Solomon's Temple.
This magnificent structure was founded in the fourth year of the reign of Solomon, on the second day of the month Zif, being the second month of the sacred year. It was located on Mt. Moriah, near the place where Abraham was about to offer up his son Isaac, and where David met and appeased the destroying angel. Josephus informs us that, though more than seven years were occupied in building it, yet, during the whole term it did not rain in the day time, that the workmen might not be obstructed in their labor. From sacred history we also learn that there was not the sound of ax, hammer or any tool of iron heard in the house while it was building. It is said to have been supported by 1,453 columns and 2,906 pilasters, all hewn from the finest Parian marble. It was symbolically supported, also, by three pillars.
The three pillars here represented were explained in a preceding degree, and there represented Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. Here they represent our three ancient Grand Masters: S. K. of I., H. K. of T., and H. A.; the pillar Wisdom, S. K. of I., by whose wisdom the Temple was erected, that superb model of excellence which has so honored and exalted his name; the pillar Strength, H. K. of T., who strengthened K. S. in his great and important undertaking; and the pillar Beauty, H. A., the W. S. of the tribe of Naphtali, by whose cunning workmanship the Temple was so beautified and adorned.
There were employed in its building 3 Grand Masters, 3,300 Masters or overseers of the work, 80,000 Fellow Crafts, and 70,000 Entered Apprentices or bearers of burdens. All these were classed and arranged in such manner, by the wisdom of Solomon, that neither envy, discord nor confusion was suffered to interrupt or disturb the peace and good fellowship which prevailed among the workmen, except in one notable instance.