Lasting Memorials: "I shall still live in the hearts and affections of my Brethren.”

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Knights Templar Member, ca. 1893

Abraham Edmonds (b. ca. 1851)

New York, New York

Gift of Walter A. Kmiec, 80.58

Photograph by David Bohl

 

The unidentified subject of this portrait wears regalia associated with the Knights Templar. In addition, jewels and badges related to other Masonic groups, such as the Shrine and the Scottish Rite, ornament his coat. Clearly, the subject of this work took pride in his involvement with Freemasonry. Although the history of this work is not known, its size and carefully portrayed details suggest the painting may have been commissioned to hang in a Masonic building.    

Starting in the mid-1800s, Masons became increasingly interested in memorializing their leaders—both local and national—with portraits. As part of this trend, many lodges commissioned or purchased portraits of George Washington (1732-1799)--a Mason and a much-revered leader—with the goal of presenting this national hero as a positive example to be held, as one donor described, “in constant remembrance.” Many lodges also began to commission portraits of lodge founders, past masters, or longtime members. Lodges undertook these commissions to provide inspiration for current members and to acknowledge past members’ contributions. Their efforts were well appreciated. In 1875, a founding member of St. Paul’s Lodge of Boston, in thanking his brothers for the honor of displaying his portrait reflected, “what a happy thought, that when I shall be called upon to bid farewell to these earthly scenes…I shall still live in the hearts and affections of my Brethren.”    

 

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Benjamin Coffin, 1815-1833  

Probably Massachusetts

Special Acquisitions Fund, 77.12

Photograph by David Bohl

 

Like the subjects of other portraits displayed nearby, Benjamin Coffin (dates unknown) felt pride in his role as a Freemason. Here he chose to be depicted as if he was going to attend a Knights Templar meeting, carrying a sword, wearing an apron and a pin and sash decorated with symbols used in the Knights Templar degrees. Coffin may have commissioned this small watercolor to mark an event that was important to him, such as holding an office.

 

 

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Degree Night at the Robing Room, 1935-1939

Frank A. Stockwell (1890-1970)

Buffalo, New York

Loaned by the Buffalo Consistory, Valley of Buffalo, New York, A.A.S.R., EL2006.001.2

Photograph by David Bohl

 

Artist Frank A. Stockwell captured a backstage scene at a Scottish Rite degree ceremony. Stockwell was both a commercial artist and a Scottish Rite Mason with firsthand knowledge of the group’s theatrical degrees. After his death, his brothers remembered him for “his dramatic roles in many of the degrees.”

Lasting Memorials: "I shall still live in the hearts and affections of my Brethren.”