Freemasonry is an organization of like-minded men who accept a lifestyle based on a universal system of morality dedicated to the self-improvement of its members and thereby contributing to the building of a better community.
THE ARMORIAL DEVICE
The shield of the Arms consists of two parts. The right half, as worn by the wearer, has reference to the source from whence the Lodge emanated; i.e., from the Premier Grand Lodge of England, founded in 1717, from which Masonry in Massachusetts derived its origin in 1733 and from which source in turn Saint Andrew’s derived its origin in 1750. In this section are depicted three towers with the Square and Compasses together constituting the grant by King Edward IV to the Freemason’s Society in 1470.
The left half depicts the ancient Coat of Arms of Nova Scotia granted in 1621 by King James I of England (James VI of Scotland), to Sir William Alexander, on whom he bestowed Nova Scotia. Set in the center of the whole Shield is an in escutcheon or “Shield of Pretence” bearing the arms of our Founder and first Master, Edward Cornwallis, who was also the founder of Halifax.
Above the shield is displayed the motto of the lodge, “Sit lux et lux fuit,” “Let there be light and there was light”.
Below the motto is a representation of Saint Andrew upon the cross on which he was crucified, the legend being that he regarded himself as unworthy to be crucified on a cross of the same shape as that on which his Lord and Master had been put to death.
The Lodge was founded in 1750 as the First Lodge at Halifax. Its present title and number are shown on the scroll beneath the shield.
The Armorial Device of Saint Andrew’s Lodge is an interesting study and sums up the history of our Lodge.
In the early 1920’s R.V. Harris, who was then Secretary of the Lodge, wrote to Lord Ampthill, Pro Grand Master of England, to ask if we were free to adopt a Coat of Arms of our devising or if should we work through the College of Heralds. The reply from the Pro Grand Master was in effect that it was common practice in England to adopt devices for lodges without reference to the College of Heralds. Accordingly, our Worshipful Brother went to work on the problem and drew up the Armorial device shown above. This was subsequently adopted by the Lodge in 1926.