33 Degree Patent

A family relative of Bro. Benjamin Patrick bought this beautiful 33° Patent that was given out by the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite in May of 1866. This belonged to a Past Commander-in-Chief from Occidental Consistory in Chicago.

Bro. Patrick was a member of Oriental Lodge No.33 in Chicago (the lodge was invited to participate in the public procession prior to a private reception in November 1879 for former President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia, after they returned to the United States from their goodwill trip around the world) and joined the Rite in 1864.

He joined before the 1871 Chicago fire when many records were lost so not much more information is available.

Harris MM Tracing Board

The last board John Harris (1791- 1873) designed was in 1850 for the third degree, referred to as the “ open grave” design. This was a period in his life he found himself reduced to the lowest state of poverty and distress due to partial blindness. In 1856, he went completely blind and was paralyzed from a stroke the same year. The darkness of the 1850 painting gives a feeling of emotional starkness not experienced in any of his earlier designs. Although seemingly dismal, the sheer intensity of the painting does suggest something exceptional.

Translation: The Holy Temple in Jerusalem was built by King Solomon of Israel. Hiram king of Tzur (Tyre)... in the year of ... 2992. The masons are from the Naftali tribe.