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Wolihin Masonic Monument (Tombstone Tuesday)

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A monument stands in Rose Hill Cemetery at Macon, Georgia to the memory of Andrew Martin Wolihin (1831-1897) and his son William A. Wolihin (1862-1916). They both were Masons, and each held the position of Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Georgia.

As you might guess, the monument is rife with Masonic symbols, including a pair I knew nothing about. Please feel free to comment with any corrections. I make no boasts of expertise regarding Freemasonry.

Altar complete with knee rest, bearing the book
of law (or Bible?) with the common square and
compass on top.

Probably best if I just link you to H T W S S T K S -- Huh?

All seeing eye of God, or Eye of Providence, Masonic symbol dating
back to 1797. A reminder that one's thoughts and deeds are always
observed by the "Great Architect of the Universe."

This one is a bit controversial. Some say it is a
double headed eagle. Some say it is a double headed
phoenix. Some say it's proof the Masons worship
Satan. All I will say is it represents a 33 degree Mason.
And the Latin phrase Deus Meumque Jus translates to
"God and my right," the principal motto of Scottish Rite
Freemasonry.


I was ignorant about the two columns and spheres in this last photo until I read a post at The Burning Taper. I was going to ascribe to these the meanings behind a column and sphere in "usual" tombstone symbolism, but there is a Masonic connection I knew nothing about. These, in this context, are most likely to represent the pillars of Boaz and Jachin, which stood as guards of the entrance to King Solomon's Temple, the first Temple in Jerusalem.


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Comments

Billy Blue Eyes said…
Impressive grave and work on that one
August 30, 2013 at 5:10 AM
Anonymous said…
It is the Holy Bible on the Alter.

It is a 2-headed Eagle. Comes from a Scottish King that they stated his Kingdom was so large that you couldn't see the end of it on-top of the highest mountain whether you looked Right or Left, since they didn't know how to show movement in carvings this is the carving they created for this Kingdom. Eagle to show the height of sight and the two heads to show looking right and left... Considering it was a battle crest design, it needed to be frightening to their enemies. Also, the wings are facing upward so it is American Southern Jurisdiction of Scottish Rite. 33 degree can also be shown wearing a crown which represents even a higher portion of the 33 degree group - not higher, but more important.

The two Columns also represent Day and Night or the Cycle of the Day.

Thank you for posting this. I hope you keep up the good work in researching more within the true nature on the different fraternal bodies of Freemasonry.
March 16, 2014 at 8:54 PM
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