There was standing room only in Temple 1 of the United Grand Lodge. A hushed silence came over the audience, the air charged with expectation. The ceremony was about to reach its climax. Haloed in the light from a single spotlight was Commissioner Peter Lewis. He sat solemn-faced on a ceremonial throne dressed in full masonic regalia. With a sense of anticipation, he felt the eyes of the audience upon him.
From the side, Constantine stepped into the circle of light as he carried a purple velvet cushion. Resting on the cushion was the Grand Master’s ceremonial necklace, embossed with the emblem of Euclid’s 47th proposition. Constantine gently placed the cushion on the high altar and picked up the necklace. He raised the necklace so all could see. Comprised of three different sized squares coming together to form the sides of a right-angled triangle, the solid gold necklace glittered in the light.
Tilting his head forward, Lewis dropped his eyes to the marble floor. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as Constantine held the necklace above the Commissioner’s head. At last, Lewis felt the weight of the emblem slide around his neck. The ghost of a smile danced across his lips. Slowly, his gaze inched upwards towards Constantine, who enthusiastically offered him his hand in congratulations.
Only then did Lewis let his eyes roam out into the gathered audience. Taking a firm grip on the armrests of the throne chair, the new Grand Master raised himself to his feet, causing the audience to break out in eager applause. Moments later a loud cheer thundered through the Temple. He stood there luxuriating in the moment, his face radiating a satisfied smile. As he turned his eyes around the room, his fingers closed around the emblem hanging from his neck.