# Masonic Lines Read at a Banquet explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James McIntyre.

## What happens

A poetic tribute to Masonic tradition, celebrating the foundational figures of King Solomon, King Hiram, and Saint John, and emphasizing the values of craftsmanship, brotherly love, and moral integrity in building both physical and spiritual structures.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Social Gatherings

The banquet setting and Masonic fellowship underscore the importance of communal bonds and shared rituals.

### Moral Lessons and Domestic Virtue

The poem emphasizes moral integrity, brotherly love, and the duty to relieve the needy, aligning with domestic virtues.

## Character check-ins

### King Hiram

Celebrated as the old sire and famous King of Tyre, parent Lodge in Ingersoll.

### St. Andrew

Referenced as Saint John, the offspring Lodge and a model of goodness and truth.

### King Duncan

Mentioned as King Solomon, the great builder who won the greatest honor.

## Key lines

> Craft of King Hiram and St. John, They figurative work on stone

The members of the King Hiram and St. John Lodges engage in symbolic stonework.

_Highlights the allegorical nature of Masonic labor._

> But though our structures now are rude Let us all make the mortar good.

Even if our current buildings are simple, we should ensure the quality of our work.

_Encourages dedication to craftsmanship despite humble circumstances._

> The greatest honor has been won By that great builder Solomon

King Solomon achieved the highest renown as a builder.

_Reinforces the Masonic reverence for Solomon as a master builder._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters/masonic-lines-read-at-a-banquet
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters