The Story of Hiram Abiff
Updated: Mar 27
Introduction:
Hiram Abiff, also known as Hiram Abif or the Widow's son, holds a prominent position in both Freemasonry and biblical narratives. Revered as the chief architect of King Solomon's Temple, Hiram Abiff serves as a central figure in Freemasonic allegory, particularly within the third degree initiation ceremony.
In biblical accounts, Hiram Abiff is referenced in two instances related to King Solomon's endeavors. In 1 Kings 13-14, he is portrayed as Huram, a skilled craftsman from Tyre, possessing wisdom and expertise in bronze work. Similarly, 2 Chronicles 2:13-14 mentions Huram-Abi, celebrated for his proficiency in various crafts including gold and silver work, engraving, and textile production.
For those interested in exploring the Masonic legend of Hiram Abiff further, a video presentation based on William Harvey's 1919 book provides insightful commentary. William Harvey, a prominent figure in Freemasonry, served as the Provincial Grand Master of Forfarshire and authored numerous Masonic works, including the widely referenced 'Harvey Manual of Degrees.'
It's worth noting that the presentation was uploaded at the request of Rt. Worshipful Brother Dato’ Jeyaraj Ratnaswamy, the District Grand Master, demonstrating a commitment to sharing knowledge within the Masonic community.
Alternatively, if you prefer, the transcript of the presentation is available in a PDF file:
Note: The YouTube video presentation covers 90% of the book's content. For a comprehensive understanding, the Editorial Team recommends readers to explore the complete book, accessible as a PDF in the later part of this article.
Some photo of the scanned book.
Indeed, this specific Lodge highly values the preservation of knowledge. They have gone to great lengths to ensure this by digitizing the book through scanning and preserving a copy of it.
Incidentally, initiatives such as the digitization efforts led by the District Library And Museum Committee, under the chairmanship of W Bro Louis Edward Ruehlmann, highlight the importance of preserving Masonic heritage for future generations. As emphasized by W Bro Ruehlmann, these records (including meeting Minute) offer invaluable insights into Masonic history, ensuring the legacy of lodges and their contributions endures over time. He observed that: “District guidelines Memo L # 24/19 - Lodge Records is very clear on how minutes are to be kept. As time goes by and one and another of us are called to the Grand Lodge above our Lodge records become a priceless insight into our history. I have heard reports of some lodges losing old minute books. The 1885 RPW minute book sits in our library and is not preserved. I will need resources to digitize this book. “
Additionally, for ease of reading, a modern PDF version has been uploaded for your perusal.
As we delve into the rich tapestry of Masonic lore and history, the story of Hiram Abiff stands as a testament to the enduring traditions and values upheld by Freemasonry across generations. Through ongoing efforts in knowledge dissemination and preservation, Freemasons honor their past while shaping the future of the craft.
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