Volume_of_Sacred_Law

Volume of Sacred Law

Volume of Sacred Law

Masonic term for whichever text(s) are displayed during a meeting

Volume of Sacred Law (VSL) (also known as the Book of the Law) is the Masonic term for whatever religious or philosophical texts are displayed during a Lodge meeting.

Background

In most jurisdictions, especially in lodges of Anglo-American Freemasonry, a Bible, Quran, Tanakh, Vedas or other appropriate sacred text will always be displayed as a VSL while the lodge is open. In Lodges with a membership of mixed religions it is common to find more than one sacred text displayed. In lodges associated with Continental Freemasonry, a Masonic constitution would be used instead as a VSL. Every candidate is given his choice of religious text for his Obligation according to his beliefs.[1][2]

One of the most notable individual VSLs is the George Washington Inaugural Bible. It belongs to St. John's Lodge No. 1 in New York City and has been used at its meetings since 1767.[3] It is famous for being the Bible used at the first inauguration of George Washington as President of the United States. It was also used (sometimes in conjunction with another Bible) for the Presidential inaugurations of Warren Harding, Dwight Eisenhower, George H. W. Bush,[4] and Jimmy Carter.[5]

References

  1. [1]
    "UK Government information on Courts system". Criminal Justice System for England and Wales. Archived from the original on 2012-02-05. Retrieved 2006-03-08.
  2. [2]
    "What promises do Freemasons take?". United Grand Lodge of England. 2002. Retrieved 2007-05-08.
  3. [3]
    George Washington Inaugural Bible – from the website of St. John's Lodge No. 1, New York
  4. [4]
    Bibles and Scripture Passages Used by Presidents in Taking the Oath of Office
  5. [5]
    George Washington Inaugural Bible – from the website of St. John's Lodge No. 1, New York
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