The Pillar with the letter "B" in a Masonic lodge is known as Boaz, which holds significant symbolic meaning within the context of Freemasonry. The name Boaz is derived from the Hebrew word "Bo'az," meaning "In Him is Strength" or "Strength." This name symbolizes the strength and stability that the pillar represents.
In Masonic philosophy, Boaz is one of the two pillars that represent pairs of opposites, such as good and evil, light and darkness, active and passive, and positive and negative. This balance between opposing forces is crucial for a Freemason to align their thoughts, feelings, and actions with the grand plan of life.
Each individual Mason is considered a symbol of a spiritual temple, which is described as "a temple not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." This concept emphasizes the eternal nature of the soul and its connection to the divine. The pillars, including Boaz, serve as symbols of dependence on the guidance and protection of the Great Architect of the Universe, reminding Masons to rely on divine guidance in their actions and to seek strength and stability through a connection with the Supreme Being.
Historically, the pillars were part of the Temple in Jerusalem, a significant structure in Jewish history. According to Ferguson in Smith’s Dictionary of the Bible, these pillars were necessary to support the high roof of the Temple and were made of brass, along with their chapiters that crowned them.
In the ritual of the Grand Lodge of Canada, the three columns (including Boaz) represent "Wisdom" (Ionic – East - W. Master's and King Solomon), "Strength" (Doric – South – Boaz), and "Beauty" (Corinthian – West – Joachim). The pillar Boaz encourages individual Freemasons to establish themselves in strength and to work towards the betterment of society, serving as a reminder of God’s promises and His support of His chosen people.