Ionic Order

One of the Grecian Orders, and the one that takes the highest place in Masonic symbolism. Its distinguishing characteristic is the volute of its capital, and the shaft is cut into twenty flutes separated by fillets. It is more graceful than the Doric, and more simply majestic than the Corinthian. The judgement and skill displayed in its construction, as combining the strength of the former, and the beauty of the latter, has caused it to be adopted in Freemasonry as the symbol of Wisdom, and placed in the East of the Lodge it is referred to as representing the (Right) Worshipful Master.

Doric Order

The oldest and most original of the three Grecian Orders. It is remarkable for robust solidity in the column, for massive grandeur in the entablature, and for harmonious simplicity in its construction. The distinguishing characteristic of this order is the want of a base. The flutings are few, large and very little concave. The capital has no astragal or moulding, but only one or more fillets which separate the flutings from the torus or bead. The column of Strength which supports the Lodge is of the Doric Order, and its appropriate situation and symbolic officer, the (Worshipful) Senior Warden, are in the West.

Corinthian Order

This is the lightest and most ornamental of the pure orders, and possesses the highest degree of richness and detail that architecture attained under the Greeks. Its capital is its great distinction, and is richly adorned with leaves of acanthus, olive, etc., and other ornaments. The column of Beauty which supports the Lodge is of the Corintian Order, and its appropriate situation and symbolic officer, the (Worshipful) Junior Warden, are in the South.