The North Carolina Mason

Page 12 The North Carolina Mason March/April 2017 By Past Grand Historian Rick Smith with research by Assistant to the Grand Secretary Jonathan Underwood e Grand Lodge Office in Raleigh is a trea- sure trove of Masonic history. Looking at the archives room, one would not be surprised to find Solomon's treasure tucked in among the old aprons, hats and documents kept there. However, until that particular discovery is made, we can content ourselves with the plethora of objects that illustrate the rich history of Free- masonry in North Carolina. is is the first in an occasional series about items stored at the Grand Lodge for posterity and protection. is month: the mystery jewels. Shortly after he joined the Grand Lodge, Assistant to the Grand Secretary Jonathan Underwood found an old, unidentified paste- board box within the deep recesses of the Grand Lodge Office's basement. e box was unas- suming, but contained a remarkable treasure: a nearly complete set of old jewels. e jewels were inscribed, "e Grand Lodge of North Carolina." However, the shape and depictions were so different from our modern impression of officer jewels that their immediate disposition was in question. After a little cleaning, the stamped name of "E.T. Weaver" became discernible. After some research, it was discovered that E.T. Weaver was Emmor Trego Weaver (1786-1860), a Phila- delphia silversmith who, according to an 1822 advertisement from Winchester Pa., specialized in "Masonic Jewels, Medals, Aprons, and Sashes." Weaver, a Past Master of Lodge # 2 in Phila- delphia, was the son of a silversmith and quite prolific during the first half of the 19th century. His wares, particularly examples of his flatware, can still be acquired today and are highly sought after. Several other examples of his work, such as swords and tea sets are prominently displayed in museums up and down the east coast. A review of our Grand Lodge proceedings reveals that in 1826, John L. Taylor, Louis D. Wilson, and John E. Lewis were appointed a committee "to inquire into the state of the jewels of the Grand Lodge, and, if necessary, to procure new ones ... and report at the next Grand Annual Commu- nication." And so they did. e report of 1827 stated: "at so far as respects the jewels of the Grand Lodge, your committee are of opinion that it is proper to purchase new ones for the officers thereof; that the present jewels are old and clumsy, and do not comport with the dignity of the Grand Lodge. "Your committee are of opinion that the jewels worn by the Grand Officers should be of gold or gilt, suspended from collars of garter blue ribband, 4 inches wide; the aprons should be white satin, lined with blue silk, and bound with garter blue edging, 2 inches deep with gold tassels, one at each corner." e proceedings reveal Grand Master Louis Wilson, a member of the original committee, contracted for a set of jewels and clothing for the officers of the Grand Lodge, "which cost in Philadelphia, two hundred and fifty-five dollars." However, the jewels were not procured until 1828, and then only materialized Jan. 1, 1829. By most accounts of inflation, $255 in 1828 would amount to more than $5,400 in today's dollars. A proposal for services from Weaver to the Grand Lodge is still in the Grand Lodge's archives. As of Dec. 18, 1828 — the 6th day of the Annual Communication, the jewels had not arrived, but were held up in Petersburg, Va., probably because of bad weather. On the ninth day of the Annual Communication, New Year's Day 1829, the proceedings read, "e jewels and clothing of the Grand Lodge having been received, were distributed to the respective officers." Nine of the 1828 silver-gilt jewels from Weaver still exist (or have been found): the Grand Master's jewel; Senior and Junior Grand Wardens; Grand Treasurer; Senior and Junior Grand Deacons; Grand Pursuivant; Grand Sword Bearer; and Grand Tyler. Unfortunately, the Deputy Grand Master and Grand Secretary's jewels are either lost or yet to be found. However, one collar from the mid-19th century still exists, though it was probably manu- factured a few years after the jewels were made. If there were Grand Stewards' or Grand Chap- Do you know your Masonic officer jewels? Guess which jewel is which above. (Answers on Page 13) A D E F G B C see JEWELS, page 13

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