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Fellow Craft

WX2CIB

Registered User
Thanks brother! Due to a fellow EA brother who has had a lot go on in his life and not able to attend and another fellow EA brother who drives for FedEx won't be able to make it this evening due to 150 stops, 200+ packages to deliver, as well as weather. It has been postponed until 17 Jan.

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Clint Hayes

Registered User
Can anyone help me? I signed in to your site to ask an important question regarding my great grand father, who was a Freemason from New Orleans. When my mother passed recently I came across a picture with my great grandfather and a couple of gold medals and pendants. I really don't know what the proper name for these objects is so pardon the ignorance. What I would like to know is if there is someone willing to identify these objects. I would date their origin to the late 1800's based on the photo that is part of the display. I can photograph and post if anyone is interested at that time.

Sincerely,
Clint Hayes
Alabaster, AL
 

MarkR

Premium Member
I'm quite certain that we'll provide as much help as we can. Go ahead and post the pictures and we'll see what we can do.
 

Clint Hayes

Registered User
Mark,
This is my great grandfather, John H. Douglas P.H.P., Orleans Delta Chapter No. 1. Can you elaborate on these items and my great grandfather's involvement? Curious to know who my great grandfather was and this piece of history can tell me a lot. Thank you for any help identifying these pieces.
Clint Hayes



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Bro. Stewart P.M.

Lead Moderator Emeritus
Staff Member
Clint,

Both of these medals are related to York Rite Freemasonry.

The red ribbon appears to be (because wording is blurred) a Past High Priest medal. Both the Triple Tao (top) and emblem of High Priest (fob) are tied directly to York Rite Chapter degrees, and or the presiding officer of the Chapter or High Priest (same as Worshipful Master). The pendant/fob with the Christian Cross and the wording “In Hoc Signo Vinces” (In this sign we’ll vindicate) is the most recognizable symbol of the modern Templar Knight order, and is indicative of the highest York Rite Order (Order of the Temple).

Your great grandfather was an active member of the York Rite. Since you mentioned that he was in Louisiana, this is not surprising. I am willing to bet that he was also active or participated in the Scottish Rite version of the first 3 degrees of Freemasonry, which is actively practiced within the state. Most of us will only see the York Rite versions.

I hope this helps.
 

Clint Hayes

Registered User
Sir,
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with me. You have given me much to research and for that I am grateful. By chance would you be able to date these based off the photo? Just curious.
Sincerely,
Clint Hayes
 

Bro. Stewart P.M.

Lead Moderator Emeritus
Staff Member
Sir,
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with me. You have given me much to research and for that I am grateful. By chance would you be able to date these based off the photo? Just curious.
Sincerely,
Clint Hayes

I have seen neither used in the jurisdiction of Texas. If I had to guess, probably close to 100 years old based upon the age of the photo. I will leave that question to someone who may reside in Louisiana...

Both items are very cool. I’m glad that you have them and will take great care of them now and into the future. Great heirloom pieces.
 

Clint Hayes

Registered User
Thank you. Now, the first layer of the onion has been pealed. I have some research to do and look forward to learning.
 

Clint Hayes

Registered User
Honestly, I am interested but know nothing. I would be interested in speaking with someone at a local level if you know of a good starting point. I am south of Birmingham, AL by 30 miles.
 

CLewey44

Registered User
Usually you can google lodges in whatever town you're in and contact them. If no way to contact via phone or email, you can usually just drop by on a day they have whats called 'stated meetings' for dinner. Your gf may have been a member in one of those lodges nearby as well.
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
In the photographs of him there is a lapel pin that you don't show in close up. That's a Shrine membership lapel pin.

Shrine and York Rite are both optional orders within Masonry. In Masonry it all starts at "blue lodge" where we teach the first three degrees. Once all of the work of those three degrees has been completed a Brother is allowed to, but neither encouraged nor required to, join optional orders.

Please note that in general there are no invitations to become a Mason in the US. If you wait to be invited you will die of old age waiting. it takes actively going and asking for a petition.
 

Clint Hayes

Registered User
Wow, I am learning more each day. My GF seemed to be heavily involved. Going to see what is established here locally here in Alabaster, AL. Question, are all segments/divisions, etc. of Freemasonry under the same belief systems or do they have their unique set of beliefs that correlate with one another?
 

CLewey44

Registered User
They should all correlate, more or less, as the same in Moscow, Tokyo or London as they are in Alabaster, AL. So as long as they are considered 'regular' and under the United Grand Lodge of England.
 
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