Temple TIMES
A Message from Michael D. McKee, Executive Director
On Sept. 28, 2024, we celebrated the 200th anniversary of Brother and Gen. Marquis de Lafayette's return to Philadelphia with a soirée. This event, hosted with community partners, allowed the Masonic Library and Museum to continue to highlight the contributions of Freemasons to the birth of our nation.
In addition, we displayed our collection of Lafayette letters and other items from our French brothers. The history, dignity and values of Pennsylvania Freemasons were exhibited for the world to see.
Looking toward the future, we are conducting a building survey to identify the capital needs of our Masonic Temple.
The restoration of our historic building is paramount in safeguarding our footprint on the birthplace of our nation. Thank you for your continued support in preserving our majestic Masonic Temple, a landmark for Freemasons all over the world.
Rush Statue Details Remain a Mystery
As anyone who has visited the Masonic Temple knows, there are a variety of allegorical statues on display throughout several of our rooms and halls.
The full-figured statues were created by Philadelphia wood carvers William Rush and Joseph Bailey for placement in the “new” Masonic Temple on Chestnut Street in 1820. There is one, however, that is different than the others due to an eye-catching detail.
"Virtue," by sculptor William Rush, has caught the attention of Craig Bruns, chief curator of the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, because it's the only statue where the left foot is elevated and in front of the right foot.
Craig believes this figure was originally created with the intention of installing it as a figure head on a ship. How it came to be part of the order for the new Masonic Temple is anyone’s guess. The answer may be buried in the records of the Grand Lodge, the papers of William Rush (should there be any remaining records) — or it may remain a secret!
Washington Benevolent Society Silk Banner
Among the many, many antiquities within the collection of the Masonic Library and Museum is this beautiful silk banner from the Washington Benevolent Society, a grassroots political club set up by the Federalist party in the early 19th century.
The organization, which was located on South Third Street, stopped operation about 1829, so the banner is almost certainly more than 20 years old. While fragile, it is framed and has been lying flat in our archives for many years.
The Washington Benevolent Society also presented us with the Masonic apron that is alleged to have belonged to George Washington (although evidence to back up that claim is incomplete.) and dates to 1829 as well.
In 1835, the Grand Lodge moved into the Society’s former hall and stayed there until 1855, when the new Temple on Chestnut
Meet The New Archivist
We welcomed Carly Sewell, our new museum archivist, in October. Prior to joining us, Carly was the technical services librarian for three years at Eastern University in Saint Davids, Pennsylvania.
Carly enjoys organizing the archives and cataloging the artifacts in the Masonic Library and Museum. “This position piqued my interest,” she said. “Every position I've ever enjoyed involves me doing something unique, so this is a good fit.”
Carly earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the former Cabrini University (now owned by Villanova University). She has a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Drexel University.
Carly lives in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, with her dog, Toasty. Her hobbies include going surfing in the summer, listening to music, tap dancing and attending Broadway shows.
Street was completed. Museum staff hope to eventually display the banner, following some needed conservation work.
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
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