The Anchor & The Ark

What is the emblematical Masonic representation of the Anchor and the Ark?

From The Blue Lodge Textbook we learn that the Anchor and the Ark are emblems of a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life.

From historical study we learn that the anchor, as symbol of hope, does not appear as in ancient or classic symbolism. The ancients believed that the mythological goddess Spes, or Hope, was represented in the form of a beautiful woman holding the skirts of her garments and in her right hand a flower-shaped cup.

As an emblem of hope, we learn that the anchor is particularly a Christian symbol. The first representation of the anchor was found inscribed in tombs of Rome, and probably derived from the scriptures of the Apostle Paul found in Hebrews. Hebrews 6:9 “which hope we have as an anchor of the soul both sure and steadfast.” Early Christians looked upon life as a stormy voyage and glad when their voyage was finished, as they have arrived in a safe port. The inscription of the anchor on the tombs is an expression that the deceased had reached a haven of eternal rest.

The ship has been adopted to symbolize of the voyage of life, but unlike the anchor was not confined to the Christian belief. The ship, masonically substituted by the Ark, is derivative of the Ark of Noah, floating safe among that which was overwhelmed by the power of God.

These symbolical sentiments have been adopted into masonry with an extended application directed to faith and character. The historical aspects added here are only probable origins as found and suggested in Albert Mackey’s Encyclopedia of Masonry.