I have been researching this sequence of eight letters and cannot find any information beyond that which is common knowledge ( I know the meaning )
Here is what I have found so far;
Thomas Smith Webb (1771-1819) is known for his work in promoting the York Rite and refining that ritual, He was made a Mason, Blue Lodge, in 1793.
Now according to Robert H Brown, in his work "Stellar Theology and Masonic Astronomy" dated 1882, Webb invented the Keystone symbol, ref pp 86, Brown even suggest that Webb added two of his initials to the original sequence which, according to Brown, was only six letters, HTSTKS, ref pp 87.
There is a big problem with this explanation, Webb was made a master mason in 1793, George Washington was presented an apron by La Fayette in or around 1784, this apron reflects the eight letter sequence at the top, HTWSSTKS.
What Brown asserts as fact cannot be true. So, where did this sequence originate? Where did Brown get the information that it was originally only six letters, HTSTKS? and if he made it up, why would he do so?
Does this allude to some greater mystery surrounding the York Rite?
Here is what I have found so far;
Thomas Smith Webb (1771-1819) is known for his work in promoting the York Rite and refining that ritual, He was made a Mason, Blue Lodge, in 1793.
Now according to Robert H Brown, in his work "Stellar Theology and Masonic Astronomy" dated 1882, Webb invented the Keystone symbol, ref pp 86, Brown even suggest that Webb added two of his initials to the original sequence which, according to Brown, was only six letters, HTSTKS, ref pp 87.
There is a big problem with this explanation, Webb was made a master mason in 1793, George Washington was presented an apron by La Fayette in or around 1784, this apron reflects the eight letter sequence at the top, HTWSSTKS.
What Brown asserts as fact cannot be true. So, where did this sequence originate? Where did Brown get the information that it was originally only six letters, HTSTKS? and if he made it up, why would he do so?
Does this allude to some greater mystery surrounding the York Rite?