The Three Orders of Architecture

Introduction

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The Ionic Order

More details on ionic here + images

The Doric Order

The Doric Order was associated with the masculine archetype by the Roman architect and historian, Marcus Vitruvius Pollio (c. 80–70 BC – after c. 15 BC), whilst the Ionic Order was associated with the feminine archetype.

Originating in the Dorric region of Greece, the Doric columns are recognised by the plain circular capitals at the top of the columns. Regarded as the strongest of the three canonical orders and had a height only four to eight times their diameter, and so as such these columns were the stockiest of the orders. Because of their strength, Doric columns were commonly used on the ground floor to support the weight of upper floors.

In The Lodge

The Doric Column is assigned to the Senior Warden in the west of the lodge and is said to represent strength. (For memory aid: Doric is near the door, close to the strong Tyler guarding the entrance to the lodge.)

When the lodge is "at labor" the Doric column is upright and when at "refreshment" the column is placed horizontally.

"The oldest and most original of the three Grecian orders. It is remarkable for robust solidity in the column, for massive grandeur in the entablature, and for harmonious simplicity in its construction. The distinguishing characteristic of this order is the want of a base. The flutings are few, large, and very little concave. The capital has no astragal, but only one or more fillets, which separate the flutings from the torus. The column of strength which supports the Lodge is of the Doric order, and its appropriate situation and symbolic officer are in the West." An Encyclopedia Of Freemasonry 1916 Vol 1 - A G Mackey

The Corinthian Order

More details on ionic here + images

Other Orders of Architecture

Summary of Tuscan and Composite + images