The Masonic Anchor and Ark are symbols of a life well spent and a deeply rooted hope.

The Masonic anchor is a Masonic symbol of hope. It was first found on tombs among the catacombs located in Rome. It’s possible that the idea of using the anchor as a symbol of hope was from Apostle Paul who spoke about it in the Biblical book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 6:19: “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil”

In the times of old, Christianity was seen as a stormy journey and those that arrived safely at the end of their journey were glad that the journey was over. So, the anchor was seen as a significant symbol of hope for them and it was carved over their tomb. The anchor signified that the person who slept in the tomb was in a place of eternal rest and peace.

The anchor is a Christian symbol of hope, patience and permanence. It is commonly found in Christian catacombs and some Biblical objects.

The ark (ship) represents the voyage of life. But it is not confined to Christians alone. Non-Christians also used the ship to represent the passage of life. It’s very possible that non-Christians got the idea of the ship from Christians.

Freemasons substitute the ark for the ship.

The ark of Noah floating freely amidst the storm is a symbol of Christ. It shows that even when all is rough and stormy, God will guide Christians to safety.

In the Masonic Third Degree, the ark and the anchor are symbols of a well-spent life and a well-grounded hope. They show that the Divine ark will carry us over the rough sea and the anchor shall bring us to a place of rest where there won’t be wicked ones and we shall find our rest.