How Did Rods and Staffs Get Into Masonic Lodges?
There is no evidence that they were used by operative Masons. In Britain the Grand High Steward presided over the King’s household and carried a white Rod. This may have been the start of the Masonic Rod but it probably came from Ushers in the House of Parliament. One usher carried a black rod and the other a white rod. People would be seated by calling a “black rod” or “white rod” depending on where they wished to be seated. The first mention of Masonic Rods was in a procession of Grand Lodge in 1724 in which the Grand Stewards carried white rods symbolizing purity and innocence. As late as 1812, Deacons in Pennsylvania carried columns in procession. Deacons first carried blue rods tipped with gold, symbolizing friendship and benevolence. Later they were tipped with a pine cone in imitation of the Caduceus of Mercury. It is also reported that rods were used in early lodges to find eavesdroppers in the eaves of the lodges.
