Q. Why do the Symbolic Lodges take the name of St. John of Jerusalem? A. Because in the time of the Crusades, the Perfect Masons, Knights, and Princes, communicated their mysteries to the Knights of that order; whereupon it was determined to celebrate their festival annually, on St. John's day, being under the same law.
Q. Who was the first architect that conducted the works of Solomon's temple? A. Hiram Abiff; which signifies the inspired man.
Q. Who laid the first stone? A. Solomon cut and laid the first stone, which afterwards supported the temple.
Q. Was there anything enclosed in that stone? A. Yes; some characters, which were, like the name of the Grand Architect of the Universe, only known to Solomon.
Q. What stone was it? A. An agate of a foot square.
Q. What was the form of it? A. Cubical.
Q. At what time of the day was the stone laid? A. Before sunrise.
Q. For what reason? A. To show that we must begin early and work with vigilance and assiduity.
Q. What cement did he make use of? A. A cement which was composed of the finest and purest flour, milk, oil, and wine.
Q. Is there any meaning in this composition? A. Yes; when the Grand Architect of the Universe determined to create the world, he employed his sweetness, bounty, wisdom and power.