The letter “G” is a masonic symbol that shows up in American lodges and commonly over the Master’s chair. The Letter G stands for “Geometry”, which is a science that allows man to build massive structures from simple drawings, determine seasons, fix the orbit of planets, and explain the universe and the world around us.
By itself, the letter “G” also represents the initial of God – the Great Architect of the Universe – and reminds Freemasons that the fraternity represents a brotherhood of man under a fatherhood of God. The letter “G” is used to prevent endorsing or representing any specific deity and divide men; it is a symbol used to connect Masons and let them to be reverential regardless of individual faith.
It first started appearing commonly in the center of the United States version of the Square and Compasses around 1850 and by the end of the Civil War, it was the accepted American Square and Compasses in most United States Lodges. The letter “G” has symbolism specific to it, and is not associated with the Square and Compasses in Masonic Ritual within the Lodge.
