The History of the Esoteric School 1904–1914, Volume Two

GA 265

Sketches for the Lodge Furnishings

Handwritten explanations by Elisabeth Vreede of the sketches (translated from Dutch)¹

A.d.O. [Altar of the East]

Cross with crown of thorns (sketch) in Catholic shops. The wreath [of roses?] must be hanging on a nail inside the altar, ready for use. The cross must be large enough to leave room for the Holy of Holies [chalice]. Diameter of the wreath 45 cm. For the Holy of Holies: hammer (see vestments).

S.A. Altar of Oath

Bible open at John chap. XII / Triangular trowel (made of gilded sheet metal) / Shape of the trowel is exactly the same as the real mason has it. / Small candlestick. / Matches! / Light scissors in front of the candle.

P = Before the altar, a small elevation (P) on which the master stands.

S. Above the altar, the sun: blue background (stronger ribbed fabric, sun made of light-yellow-brown cloth, {triangle] as curtain decoration)

L = candlestick (at each altar. See sketch at the east end) Before the Holy of Holies: a tray with a high rim. May have partitions inside, but not necessary.

A piece of felt on the altar. The rest is the doctor's responsibility.

A.d.S. [Altar of the South]

Normal church censer / incense burner, any old thing, shape doesn't matter / protractor

A.d.W. [Altar of the West]

compass. Tape measure, any size / skull (plaster cast)

Columns as you like. Dark blue and brick red / on the two columns: a hewn and an unhewn cube-shaped stone

Large rug (black and white checkerboard pattern). Made of felt / width 1.80 / length 3.10.

I° lock and chain. Steps with two steps.

II° step with 3 steps / column with mirror.

On the ceiling: lamp (“perpetual lamp” from the church) / G made of cardboard or gilded sheet metal

All authentic information from Rudolf Steiner that has been preserved is reproduced below. The sketch on page 288 of the furnishings of the temple for the first and second degree and the sketches on pages 289 to 296 are facsimile reproductions of the sketches made by Elisabeth Vreede from the information provided by Rudolf Steiner for individual objects. On page 310, one of the sword symbols is reproduced in its natural size, as used during the initiation into the first degree (see pages 183 and 188). Pages 311 and 312 show sketches by Rudolf Steiner for an incense burner and page 313 shows its design. ↩